Maybe

by Shane Morgan

  I nod. “All right. Not really eventful.”

  We fall quiet, both staring intensely into our phones. It just doesn’t feel right. It hurts. A lot. I want to kiss her. Touch her. I can see the yearning on her face as well.

  Sydney sputters a short laugh and says, “We’re not talking. What’s with us?”

  I sigh. “Not much happening in our lives, I guess. Um, how ‘bout I call you on Sunday?”

  “Okay,” she says softly. “I’ll talk to you then. I love you, Parker.”

  “Love you too, babe.”

  Tears escape and stream down her face right before she cuts off the video. That’s the deciding factor for me.

  We shouldn’t be apart. All those things I said leading up to the moment at the airport have flown out the window. I don’t want to spend four years like this, waiting for phone conversations and holidays. I want to be where Sydney is, and I’m going to take that leap.

  “What do you think?” I ask Uncle Dylan after telling him my decision.

  He blows out a long exhale and leans back in the chair. “Have you told your parents?”

  “Not yet. I wanted to discuss it with you first.”

  Uncle Dylan looks at me for a few seconds without saying anything, then pulls his mouth into a partial smile. “I’ve done some crazy things in my life. But if this is what you really want, and you’re positive, Sydney feels the same, you have my total support.”

  “Thank you. That means a lot.”

  He smiles fully. “You love this girl, huh. Damn, kid. If only the rest of us were this lucky.”

  I snort. “You’ve had chances.”

  “True. I blew it, though. I was too hell-bent on being a bachelor. Now,” He splays his hands, looking around the vast living room as he finishes, “I’m alone.”

  “You’re not alone. You have a family. You have me.”

  Uncle Dylan’s eyes brightened at that. “Thanks, Parker.”

  I straighten from the chair. “Guess I should head home; talk to my parents. Get everything in order.”

  He stands as well, nudging my shoulder before walking with me to the front door.

  “Make sure to call often,” he says as I step outside.

  “I will.” We embrace each other, and for the first time, it feels like I’m hugging my father instead of my uncle. “See you.”

  Uncle Dylan waves. I hurry to my car and head toward Laguna Hills. Determination has replaced the pain ever since talking to Sydney the night before. I’ve decided to go to Seattle for her. For us. My parents might not like it. But I feel it in my gut, this is what I need to do.

  64

  It’s been two months since I last saw Parker in person. I feel as if I’m going out of my mind. Talking on the phone and video chats can’t satisfy my longing for him, only makes it worse.

  Parker assured me we could do this. Attend different colleges in different states. But I never imagined being apart would be so agonizing. My heart feels like it’s breaking by the day. Tears come every night, and I have to bury my face in my pillow and quietly sob so as not to disturb my roommate.

  This just can’t be normal. It’s as if we spent senior year at Spencer Academy intertwining our souls, and now I feel incomplete because I’m not near him. This is what Parker meant when he said he felt strange when we aren’t together.

  I try to focus on schoolwork, distract my mind by going out with friends, and attending socials. But it doesn’t matter. My ache only grows.

  The conversation four nights ago was the final straw. Didn’t even talk to Parker on Sunday, and it doesn’t matter that he didn’t call. I’ve decided there’s only one thing left to do, and I’ll just have to make my dad understand this is what I want.

  Tuesday morning, I spring out of bed and get dressed, then trek across campus on route to student services. I’m going to apply for a transfer to USC.

  I miss Parker. I hate the distance. And while my family and friends may think this is crazy and I should stick it out in Seattle, I don’t want to be this far apart for four years. I want to be with him.

  “You there!” a familiar voice calls out.

  I almost trip over my feet. My body shivers in disbelief. “It can’t be,” I murmur, slowly turning.

  A surprised gasp rushes from my lips. Parker is standing merely a few feet from me, that cocky grin on his face.

  “What are you…doing here?” My heart’s racing like crazy. Tears are on the verge of falling.

  Parker walks closer and shrugs like it’s no big deal. That intoxicating scent. Those piercing gray eyes. This guy. God, I’ve missed him.

  “I got a quick transfer,” he admits. “I thought I’d surprise you.”

  “You transferred?” I repeat, near breathless. Laughter spurts from me. “Crazy enough, I was on my way to do the same thing.”

  “Well, I beat you to it.” He lessens the remaining gap between us and cradles my face lovingly. “I know I said we should give it a try, but I couldn’t do it, Sydney. Is this borderline obsessive behavior? Am I out of my mind?”

  I sniffle, blink back the tears, and drape my arms around him. “Yeah, Parker Prescott, I think you’re out of your mind.”

  He laughs that deep and throaty laugh that stirs the butterflies in my stomach and swells my heart with joy.

  “Guess I’m staying like this. I don’t wanna be sane because I love how you make me feel, Sydney Bell.”

  The tears break free and dribble onto his fingers at my cheeks. “It’s okay because I’m out of my mind in love with you, too.”

  His mouth crashes on mine like a tidal wave of passion. We kiss for what feels like hours before easing apart.

  “So, what happens now?” I mutter.

  “Now, we go through this next chapter together.” He squints at me. “You know you’re gonna be mine forever, right?”

  I smile at him. “Forever sure is a long time. Are you gonna love me that long, Parker?”

  He says confidently, “Baby, you never have to wonder.”

  65

  Three years later…

  “Surprise!” everyone shouts the instant I flick on the light after leading Sydney into her apartment. “Happy Birthday!”

  “Oh my gosh!” She beams with excitement, seeing not only her family and mine but Leighton and the guys.

  Swiveling, she tips for a quick kiss and a loving slap on my arm, before she refocuses on her guests. Greeting everyone with long hugs.

  “Hey, you!” Leighton says, bouncing in her heels with Sydney. “Happy twenty-first, Bell!” They move in for a group hug with Nia.

  Mr. Bell and Mr. Wright laugh at the squealing girls while Mrs. Wright and my mom ready the cake and wine.

  Evan, Coleman, and Davidson sidle closer to me. Uncle Dylan flashes a perceptive smirk from across the room while drinking with Dad.

  My brother shakes my shoulder and whispers, “Really gonna do this?”

  “For real, are you?” Coleman chimes. “It’s a big step.”

  I inhale and exhale deeply, telling them, “I know. I’m ready.”

  Davidson nudges my arm. “Hope she is, too.”

  They smile at me, and we bump fists. Sadly, Nunez didn’t make it.

  “Thanks for coming, guys. Your support means a lot.”

  “Of course,” Davidson says at the same time as Evan.

  I notice a weird unspoken exchange between the two before they move to separate sides of the room. Davidson is eyeing Nia, and so is my brother. What’s that about? Neither of them has mentioned her to me.

  Once the girls settle down, Sydney cuts her cake. Her aunt and my mom give heartfelt toasts, followed by her uncle, and, surprisingly, my dad.

  “I’m happy Parker met you. You became a light to him after everything he went through with me. And thanks in part to you, I snapped to my senses. Cheers, Sydney. You’re a wonderful young lady.”

  Sydney bobs modestly. “Thank you, Mr. Prescott.”

  When Mr. Bell finishes his toast, he
squints at me, indicating I’m up.

  “Open your gifts,” I tell Sydney, growing more nervous.

  She’s all smiles. Leighton takes the wineglass from her hand, winking at me. Sydney proceeds to open gifts from everyone, saving mine for last. Her smile stretches in gratitude when she reaches the final one.

  She slants to me, beyond excited. “There’s something that’s been torturing me for three years. Finally, I get to end the wait.”

  Sydney’s about to go to her bedroom when I pull her back. “Open this one first.”

  “Come on,” she mopes while giggling.

  “What’s another few minutes?” I say, picking up my gift to hand it to her.

  “Fine.” She snatches it away and opens the box, beaming at the rose gold necklace that matches her bracelet from three years ago.”

  “Aw, babe, thank you,” she says sweetly, leaning in for a quick smooch.

  Everyone gushes at us.

  I put on the necklace for her, and lightly caress her cheek, staring at her as if no one’s around. Feeling braver now, I say, “You can open it now.”

  Sydney doesn’t waste another second. She hurries into her bedroom to receive the tiny white box that’s been alluring her all these years.

  She stops before me, tracing the cover. After a deep breath, she opens the box at last. Her head flies up once glimpsing what’s inside, brown eyes watering from surprise as she stares at me.

  Taking the box from her trembling fingers, I pull out the rose gold diamond engagement ring and lower on one knee.

  The room is quiet. Everyone’s watching with anticipation.

  “Oh… God. I’ve had this for three years.” Her words are a nervous whisper. “I can’t believe it.”

  “I wanted to wait until we were older. Until you knew what you wanted. I see how much you’ve let go of fear over the years, and I’m sure you trust me more than ever now, the way I love and trust you.”

  Tears stream down her cheeks as I take her left hand.

  “Sydney, from the moment I met you, I knew there was something amazing. That I wouldn’t want anyone else. I can’t put into words how happy you make me. Babe, I love you to no end. Will you marry me, spend the rest of our lives loving me the way you’ve been doing? I promise I’ll do the same and more. Will you spend forever with me?”

  A soft laugh sputters from her lips. She sniffles and tells me, “I guess I could do that.”

  Everyone laughs, including me. I ease the glistening diamond ring onto her finger.

  “Yes,” Sydney gasps and says more excitedly, “A thousand times, yes!” She lunges into my arms when I straighten.

  Handclaps and “Congratulations” resound around us. The ladies are crying. Mr. Bell pats my back before he embraces us both. Mom and Dad do the same, and then Uncle Dylan.

  After hugging my brother and friends and Leighton and Nia, Sydney and I fall back into a tight cuddle. She rests her head against my chest, squeezing me as she cries happy tears. I lower and press soft kisses to her forehead, so thankful she’s mine.

  A series of memories flutter through my mind. I recall the start of our senior year at Spencer Academy. How I chased her, earned her time, lost her briefly, and got her back.

  My lips curl into a smile as relief immerses my body, glad I never gave up. Because in my heart, I knew Sydney said ‘yes’ from the first night we met.

  Acknowledgments

  Thanks to my supportive family and husband for all the love and always encouraging me when I doubt myself, which is quite often honestly.

  Thanks to every person who takes the time to read my books, and special thanks to those who have been there from the beginning.

  This is my largest novel since I started writing. The perfectionist in me didn’t want to finish this story. Each time I read through, I added more and more or changed several things. I’m just so in love with these characters and how much I’ve poured my emotions into them. Now I hope that you will feel those same emotions when you read this novel.

  About the Author

  Shane Morgan writes contemporary romance, suspense, and fantasy. She lives in Rhode Island with her husband. Aside from writing, Shane enjoys listening to music, watching movies, and traveling.

  Instagram.com/shanemwrites

  Facebook.com/authorshanemorgan

  Twitter.com/itchingforbooks