“Hannah, what—” She cuts me off with another kiss.
“Not tonight. I promise we’ll talk, but for tonight, just hold me.”
11. Shirtless
I curl up on my loveseat, but I can’t sleep. I didn’t think I could love Ford more than I already did. I’m beginning to understand that love is a living, tangible thing. I feel like I shouldn’t understand what love is, that I’m too young. But when I think about how Ford makes me feel and how I feel about him, it takes my breath away. And that’s love.
I wake up with my phone still in my hand. It’s not even seven o’clock, but I sit up to stretch and find June awake on her phone.
“Sorry, did I wake you? I’m having a terrible time adjusting to the time change.”
“It’s okay. This is a little early for me. Are you hungry? Do you want to go make breakfast?”
“Yes, I’m starved. I ate the last snickerdoodle cookie.”
We get up, put our bras on, brush our teeth, and head downstairs to the kitchen. “What do you want to make? My mom usually keeps her kitchen well stocked.”
“It’s weird to hear you say my mom instead of Beth.”
“It’s still kind of weird to say, but it’s getting easier.”
“I like it. I’m glad you figured out your relationship with her. You decide I’ll eat almost anything.” June smiles.
I rifle through the pantry and find a box of Belgian waffle mix that’s not opened. “How about waffles?” I ask, holding up the box.
“That’s perfect. Your mom won’t mind?”
“No, she’s okay with us making what we want as long as we clean up our mess.” June and I get out the waffle maker. There are strawberries and blueberries in the fridge, so we take them out, wash them and slice the strawberries. I get out the syrup and butter. I also find caramel sauce and whipped cream.
“Mrs. Clark, what’s that amazing smell?” Tyler yawns, coming into the kitchen. His hair is a frizzy mess, and he’s not wearing a shirt. He stops in his tracks when he sees June and me. “Oh, wrong Clark, sorry Clark.” He glances back toward the stairs and then at the stack of waffles on the counter.
June nudges me. “Do you want a waffle, Tyler?”
“Yes, please,” he says, walking up to the counter.
I hold out a plate for him but snatch it back when he tries to take it. “Shirt first.” And I get another elbow to my ribs. “Just kidding.” I hand Tyler the plate.
Hank and Scotty come into the kitchen next.
They’re followed by Jack, and behind Jack is Ford. Both shirtless. Is there some kind of rule that teenage boys must sleep with their shirts off? They both stop and stare when they see June and me in the kitchen instead of Beth. “Want a waffle?” I ask, holding out plates for each of them.
“Are they safe to eat?” Jack asks as I put a waffle on his plate.
I cock an eyebrow. Without saying anything, I pick up his waffle with my hands, take a bite, and put it back on his plate. “Does that answer your question?” I smirk. Jack just stands there, trying to think of a comeback.
“It was a good try.” Ford laughs, slapping his back and trading plates with him.
Jack narrows his eyes at me. “I’m not giving up.”
“I hope not. I wouldn’t want to win this easily.” I make a gun with my finger, point it at him, then click my tongue and wink.
“Do you want a new waffle, Ford?” June asks, holding up a freshly cooked one.
“No, this one is great. Thanks, June.” She just stands there with her mouth open, and it’s my turn to elbow her.
She snaps her mouth shut and looks at me. “He knows my name,” she whispers.
I laugh and shake my head. June and I fix our waffles and go to sit at the counter.
