The Thing About Forever

by Michelle Engardt

  "Hello, young man, would you like to dance?"

  Zyan's head shot up as he was torn from his musings. Oh no. "Um, sorry, I don't…"

  The elderly person grabbed his hand and pulled him up. "You wouldn't turn down a lady now, would you?"

  "Uh…"

  She pulled him along to the dance floor.

  Zyan watched on in horror and turned to look back at the table with longing before it disappeared behind a wall of moving bodies. He slowly turned to face the stranger pulling at him again. She was smiling. Zyan forced himself to return it.

  Time seemed to move a lot slower from there.

  He kept looking out at the people surrounding him in hopes of spotting someone who could save him. But no such luck. Instead, the lady's hands seemed to move suspiciously low on his back every now and again, forcing him to push her away a few inches, which made her tighten her grip on him and pull him uncomfortably close again. But at least it made her hands travel further north.

  While they swayed to the music, she kept telling him about how beautiful her niece had looked, and how she had just gotten back from fixing her makeup because she'd cried so much during the ceremony.

  He wished he hadn't told Carter to go dance with Jessica half an hour ago. It would have spared him this suffering. Oh god, he'd much rather be groped by his boyfriend.

  He forced a smile again when the woman looked back up at him. He wished he could get rid of her without making a scene right about then.

  When a brown hand finally tapped her on the shoulder, Zyan felt relief flood him.

  "Excuse me," a pleasant, polite voice said. "May I cut in?"

  The woman's eyes slowly traveled down until they landed on Ava. Her hair was still beautifully done up, though a few strands at her temples had come loose to frame her face.

  At the sight of her, the hands fell away from Zyan. He quickly stepped back to reclaim his personal space.

  "Of course," Carol's aunt said as she stepped aside.

  Ava politely inclined her head and walked up to Zyan. "Much appreciated." She put a hand on his arm and began to guide him toward the edge of the dance floor.

  "I just wish you'd shown up sooner," Zyan said as they stopped walking.

  "Why didn't you just get away from her as soon as her hands started wandering?" Ava asked.

  Zyan shrugged. "I didn't want to make a scene and ruin Carol's big day."

  "Aww," Ava made. "Look at you being all sweet."

  Zyan rolled his eyes, only to jump and nearly hurt himself when a hand suddenly fell on his shoulder.

  "Hey, what are you two doing here?"

  Zyan turned to look at Carter, whose brow was lined with pearls of sweat. He was breathing a little heavily. Zyan's brows rose at the sight of him. "Did you hit the gym in the middle of the reception?"

  Carter chuckled. "No, I just got back from dancing with Jess. My fault for forgetting she used to take hip-hop dance classes when she was younger."

  "In that case," Ava interrupted, "I better go find her and show her some of my moves."

  Carter looked over at her and nodded. "Have fun! I think she went off to the drinks table."

  Ava shot them a grin before she disappeared into the throng of people.

  Carter wrapped his arms around Zyan's waist as soon as she was out of sight. "Finally."

  Zyan turned slightly, until they were fully facing each other, chests brushing at the smallest of movements. "What do you mean?"

  "I finally got you where I want you. On the dance floor. With me. And with no way of escaping."

  "I could get away if I wanted to." Despite his words, he raised his arms and put them around Carter's neck.

  "Then I'm glad you don't."

  Zyan leaned forward to press their lips together. "After I just got felt up by Carol's aunt, I'd much rather be doing this for the rest of the day." Their lips nearly brushed with Zyan's every word.

  Carter's nose wrinkled as he cringed. "I'd say 'yikes, she's twice your age,' but we both know that's a lie."

  Zyan laughed and stole another kiss.

  Carter hummed. "I love you."

  "I love you too."

  CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

  Jessica

  Jessica had just emptied her drink when she felt familiar arms wrap around her waist as a warm body pressed flush against her back.

  "Hey, bumblebee," Jessica greeted. She set down her glass and turned in Ava's hold.

  "Hey." Ava pushed on her toes for a quick kiss before she pulled back, her hands still resting comfortably on Jessica's waist.

  "Where are the boys?" Jessica asked.

  "Off doing their own thing," Ava said.

  Jessica only nodded and looked over Ava's head at the crowd flailing along to the music. "You wanna go out for a moment to cool off?"

  "Sure."

  Hands entwined, they pushed past guests and waiters until they reached the side-entrance leading out into the parking lot. The moment the fresh air hit Jessica's sweat-covered skin, she shivered.

  "We should get your jacket," Ava said immediately.

  "But I'm so hot."

  "That you are."

  Jessica laughed. "You know what I meant."

  "We're still getting your jacket. I don't want you getting sick."

  "All right, fine." Jessica looked out over the parking lot. "Do you remember where we parked?"

  "Um…no."

  "Me neither. Fantastic."

  Jessica's teeth were on the brink of chattering by the time they spotted Ava's car wedged into a corner, boxed in by three obnoxiously large SUVs. She squeezed herself through the gaps until she reached the trunk while Ava waited for her.

  When she came back into sight, Ava chuckled. "Did you seriously bring my Deadpool hoodie?"

  Jessica looked down at herself before she glanced back at Ava. She shrugged. "Yeah."

  "Have I told you today that I love you?"

  Jessica smirked. "Yes."

  "Good." Ava reached out to take Jessica's hand to pull her closer and into another kiss. "Remind me to tell you every day."

  "I don't think you need a reminder."

  By the time they'd made it back inside, the DJ had switched from dance music to ballads. Couples were swaying everywhere they looked, most with not even an inch of space left between them.

  Ava squeezed Jessica's hand to get her attention. "Wanna join them?"

  "With pleasure."

  Ava smiled as she turned to lead Jessica backwards to the edge of the dance floor. Once she came to a halt, she pulled Jessica closer and wrapped her arms around her waist. "You look so beautiful in your dress."

  Jessica dipped her chin to press a kiss to Ava's forehead. "Not as beautiful as you."

  Ava's eyes were shut when Jessica pulled back. Colorful lights played across her skin and reflected off the silver combs in her hair. Jessica would've done anything to freeze time and live in that moment forever. And when Ava took that last step closer and rested her head against Jessica's shoulder, it became blatantly clear there was nothing Jessica wanted more than to spend her forever with the woman in her arms.

  CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

  Zyan

  "Today wasn't so bad, now, was it?" Ava asked as she skipped toward the car, closely followed by Jessica, whose eyes never strayed from her.

  "It had its moments," Zyan said. Carter knocked their shoulders together and gave him a pointed look when their eyes met. "What?"

  "Just admit you had fun. No one will judge you for it."

  "I had moderate fun."

  Carter rolled his eyes and wrapped an arm around Zyan's waist to pull him into his side and press a kiss to his temple.

  "Guys! Hold up!" They all turned toward the owner of the voice. "Can you take me home, please?"

  Zyan looked at Lucy—another one of Ava and Jessica's employees. She'd been working for Jessica for years, and had wormed her way into all their lives over the years, even alongside Carol. Zyan didn't know all that much about her
, other than her taste in music and movies, but even he could tell she was distraught.

  "What happened?" Jessica asked. "I thought your date was gonna take you home?"

  "He's a dick," Lucy replied. "He's been dancing with some other girl for hours, and when I told him I wanted to go home, he said I shouldn't let him stop me."

  "Fuck him!" Ava shot back immediately. "We'll take you! Or better yet, come home with us, and let's stay up till morning watching movies and eating junk food."

  Zyan couldn't help the smile. He really loved Ava.

  Jessica gave a curt nod. "What she said."

  Lucy's face lit up a little. "Thanks, guys."

  They all got home within a few minutes. Zyan was the first up the stairs and unlocked the door before stepping aside to let the entire group go through. Once everyone had filed in, he took a deep breath and closed the door behind them.

  "How come, I always end up hosting unannounced pajama parties?" Zyan asked as he watched them all take of their shoes and shed their coats.

  "Your couch is bigger?" Ava offered, while she already made her way over to the piece of furniture.

  Zyan only gave her flat look; she knew damn well theirs was the same size. Ava's only response was a sunny smile.

  Zyan rolled his eyes and followed their example by toeing off his shoes and disappearing into the bedroom to get rid of his jacket and tie. When he returned, they were all squeezed together on the sofa, which left him to take the armrest next to Carter. His complicity to the situation earned him a sympathetic pat on the knee.

  "I can't believe I fell for Sean's stupid act," Lucy burst out, startling him.

  "It's not your fault," Jessica said gently. "Those 'nice guys' are good actors. They never show their ugly side as long as you unknowingly do what they want. You're by far not the only one who's ever fallen for one of them, and you sadly won't be the last."

  "Surprisingly, that doesn't make me feel any better." Lucy sighed deeply and sunk further into the cushions. "I should've seen the signs, but I was too blinded by somebody actually liking me in the way I wanted them to."

  "Please don't think you did anything wrong," Ava spoke up. "The only one to blame here is that asshole."

  "She's right," Jessica said. "Don't allow him to hold any more power over you. Forget about him. Don't do him the favor of tearing yourself up over this." She lightly nudged Lucy's elbow to draw her attention. "Come on! Let's watch a movie or TV show or something! Don't waste your time and emotions on that fucker for even one more second!"

  "Good idea!" Carter stepped in, pushing lightly against Zyan's knee as he stood up. They all followed his example and got to their feet. "Anyone hungry? Thirsty? DVDs are over there—pick whatever!"

  Zyan took his chance and slid from the armrest onto the cushions to settle down more comfortably as he watched them talk over each other and whirl around the room.

  While everyone was busy, Lucy suddenly appeared at Zyan's side and took a seat on the edge of the armrest.

  "What do you think?"

  Zyan frowned up at her. "About what?"

  "About Sean."

  "I think he's a total douche who doesn't deserve anyone's time and attention," Zyan answered honestly.

  Lucy nodded slowly. "Thank you."

  "What for?"

  Lucy shrugged. "I don't know. Letting me stay here? Always being real with me?"

  "I do try."

  Lucy huffed a laugh.

  "Don't beat yourself up over that guy, okay?" Zyan said gently.

  "I'm trying, but…it's hard. I mean, everyone around me is either married or in a stable relationship, and I'm just over here in my late twenties, and I've never even been in a real relationship."

  "There's nothing wrong with that," Zyan said. "You've got your friends, your job, your dog—who's very cute, by the way—and that's already far more than a lot of other people can say for themselves. You're doing brilliantly! Don't let society's expectations ruin that for you."

  Lucy looked over at him. "Easy for you to say. You've got Carter."

  "And I was by myself for a long time before I found him. I had to learn to be okay by myself too."

  "What if I never find someone?"

  "Then you'll get the privilege of listening to all of us stress out over anniversary and birthday presents every year while you sit there on your throne of singledom, laughing at us."

  Lucy's laugh sounded like it caught her off-guard. "Okay, that does sound like fun."

  "Look who's bonding over here in the corner," a voice interrupted them. Carter leaned onto the back of the armchair. His breath fanned against the hairs over Zyan's ear.

  Lucy smiled at him. "Yeah. I'm slowly starting to see why you guys keep him around."

  "Oh, wow, thanks," Zyan teased.

  Lucy winked at him. Zyan suppressed a smile.

  Carter patted his hair. "He's not too bad, right, honey?"

  Zyan smacked his hand away. "Shut it, Aquino."

  Carter pressed a kiss to the crown of his head before he pushed off to return to Jessica and Ava, who were currently arguing over what movie to pick.

  Zyan watched in silence for a few seconds. "Do you want to crash here tonight? The girls always have to get up early on Mondays, and no one should be out there in the streets this late to catch a cab."

  He could see Lucy turn her head to face him from the corner of his eye. "You sure?"

  "I wouldn't have offered if I weren't."

  Lucy nodded. "Okay. I'd like that. Thank you."

  CHAPTER FORTY

  Jessica

  Jessica was torn out of sleep by Ava's phone blasting into her ear. They must have somehow managed the impossible again and rolled over each other during the night to switch sides. She groaned into her pillow as she swatted her hand in the general direction of the noise, until she felt her fingers brush against the smooth surface of the screen. Through squinted eyes, she switched off the alarm and dropped the device back on the nightstand.

  When she turned back around, she saw Ava still fully asleep.

  "How?" Jessica mumbled, staring at her.

  She sighed, knowing she'd have to wake Ava, whether she wanted to or not. If Ava didn't get to her concert on time, she'd be pissed.

  Jessica started carding her fingers through Ava's hair as she spoke in a low voice, in an attempt to slowly pry her away from her dreams. Less than a minute later, Ava blinked her eyes open. "Did the alarm already go off?" Her voice was scratchy as she looked around, in search of her phone.

  "Yup," Jessica answered. "You didn't hear it, but trust me, I did."

  Ava groaned and dropped her head back onto the pillow, eyes drooping. "Sorry."

  Jessica shook her head a little. "It's okay. You've gotta get up, though. Carter will be waiting for you."

  Ava nodded. "Yeah…okay. Here I go. Watch me. Can you see how I'm getting up right now?"

  "Yes. I totally saw that toe twitch."

  Ava chuckled. "Why's getting up so hard?"

  "I'm not getting into the science right now."

  Ava took a deep breath and opened her eyes. She leaned forward to press a lingering kiss against Jessica's forehead before she threw back her side of the covers and crawled out of bed. "Have fun with Zyan today."

  "You too. I mean…have fun with Carter…at the concert."

  Ava laughed softly. "Go back to sleep."

  Jessica hummed in agreement.

  Her own alarm didn't go off until three hours later. When it did, she showered and got dressed before she even sat down for breakfast. After a quick brushing of her teeth, she wandered over to Carter and Zyan's apartment, where she knocked out of politeness. If he was still asleep and didn't open the door, she could still use the key.

  It took a minute, but eventually, Zyan did show up and wave her inside. Jessica shot him a smile and followed him in, where he gathered his wallet, keys, and jacket before they set out to explore the city and be tourists for the day.

  *~*~*
r />   Lunchtime found them in Jessica's favorite fast-food restaurant, where they stuffed their faces over small talk before returning to Jessica's car.

  They'd only been driving for about a minute before Zyan spoke up. "Where are we going?" he asked as he watched the scenery fly by.

  "Wait and see."

  She could sense Zyan's glare, but it only made her smirk.

  Twenty minutes later, she parked on the side of the road just outside city limits. As she got out, she heard Zyan do the same.

  After she'd locked the car, she headed toward a slim dirt trail leading through the trees lining the side of the road. Surprisingly, Zyan followed without complaint or comment. His steps were barely audible, though he was only two steps behind her.

  When Jessica began to hear the faint sound of rushing water, she started talking. "When I was younger, and when my parents still pretended to love me, they used to take me and my siblings to this small waterfall. We'd come here every summer, until things at home got too bad for me and my siblings not to notice. Afterwards, we'd still come here sometimes after school, but eventually, my parents forced us to come straight home. Not many people know about this place because they're too focused on the busy city life. It's nice. Secluded."

  "Did you ever go back?"

  Jessica shrugged. "A few times, but it wasn't the same. Splashing around in the water, picnicking, drawing on the big rocks at the bottom with chalk—it's not the same when you're an adult. It didn't feel right."

  "So why are you taking me?"

  "I'm not sure," Jessica replied. "I just felt like it."

  Zyan threw her a glance but kept quiet. Jessica appreciated it.

  For several more minutes, they were surrounded by nothing but trees as the sound of splashing water grew nearer and the light up ahead grew brighter. The ground to their left sloped up a hill that peaked at the edge of a large clearing. The grass at their feet had grown thicker and longer, and now reached mid-calf as they approached the stream up ahead. It rushed past, steadily in motion as the water plunged down the hill and eventually disappeared into the trees. Droplets sparkled in the sunlight, projected into the air at the foot of the waterfall.