Total pages in book: 126
Estimated words: 129881 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 649(@200wpm)___ 520(@250wpm)___ 433(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 129881 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 649(@200wpm)___ 520(@250wpm)___ 433(@300wpm)
Which means, we’re all going to be piled in the front, sitting shoulder to shoulder on the bench.
I would’ve liked some privacy with Felix on this six-hour drive.
I feel my anxiety spike and clear my throat a few times, hoping to ease some of the tightness in my chest.
“You good?” Felix asks after I climb in and settle beside him.
I nod, then watch him stuff the gift bag under the seat as best he can and block it with his legs, and when he peers over at me, my brows lift.
“You’re squishing my donuts,” I say.
And holy fuck, he blushes so fast. He’s pale and then not. His entire face is red now, but I’m totally guessing and not serious at all.
I doubt it’s donuts. I mean, it could be, knowing Felix. That’s why I threw out that guess.
Am I actually right?
“Who says it’s donuts.” His words are rushed, and he won’t look at me anymore. “Or anything edible. I never said your surprise was edible. Did you peek, Jake?”
“No.”
“I don’t believe you. How could you guess that.”
“So, it’s donuts?” I grin.
“No! Stop guessing.”
I lean over and kiss his cheek as my brother climbs in.
“Thank you for the donuts,” I say.
“Oh my god, shut up,” Felix grumbles. “It’s not donuts.”
“I think it is.”
“Is there going to be arguing like this the entire six hours?” CJ asks, shifting into reverse. “Because if I’m asked to pick sides, I’m with little bro. Every time.”
“What.” I place my hand on the dash and lean forward as we back up to turn around. “You’re not siding with me on anything? I just got out of the hospital, dick.”
“Sorry, Jake.” CJ shrugs, not looking the least bit sorry. “He’s nicer than you are. And last I checked, you’ve never made me a scarf.”
CJ smirks at Felix (who has never looked so happy) and then shifts into first gear, pulling forward and beeping at Riley before turning down the driveway.
I settle back against the seat and glare out the windshield.
Even though I’m glad my brother and Felix are getting close (especially since I won’t be around), I need to make sure one thing is clear.
“Felix is my best friend,” I grunt. “Not yours, CJ. So don’t even fucking think about moving into my spot while I’m gone or I’ll beat your ass.”
I know. I sound absolutely ridiculous.
There’s no way I could beat up my brother. I’ve finally accepted that truth.
Everything else I just said?
I mean it. Every word.
Felix shifts beside me as CJ’s quiet laughter fills the cab.
“Shut the fuck up,” I grumble. “Just humor me. I need this.”
“No problem, little brother. I won’t cross into bestie territory. That’s all you.”
“Fucking right, it’s all me.”
My phone vibrates from my pocket, and I tug it out, opening up the text Felix just sent.
u will always be my best friend <3
I look over at his profile and smile just as the phone vibrates in my hand again.
Then I turn away and read his next text.
god i’m gonna miss that dick :)
“Jesus Christ,” I mumble, pressing the heel of my hand against my crotch. “Are you crazy?”
“What’s that?” CJ asks.
“Nothing.”
I quickly type my response.
don’t send me shit like that now!
sorry lol
hey it’s 11:11
so?
make a wish
why
because it’s 11:11. duh
??
I don’t get it. what am I missing
hurry b4 the time changes!
MAKE A FUCKING WISH JAKE!
jesus okay
I wish it was 4 years from now and we weren’t saying goodbye today
I feel eyes on me and turn my head, and Felix is frowning.
“You said to make a wish.” I shrug. “That’s the only wish I have.”
“It’s not goodbye though,” he says, keeping his voice quiet so we can at least pretend it’s just the two of us in this conversation. “We’re never saying goodbye. This is just… this is I’ll see you soon. Because you will. You’ll see me on the first visit day and every one after that. And then every chance I get to see you, I will. I’ll drive to you, and hey, I can do that since my boyfriend is letting me borrow his car until he comes back. I’ll visit whenever you want me to, Jake.”
“What if I want you to all the time?” I ask, just as softly. “What if this goes on for a while and I don’t come home for months or longer? And you work, Felix. Are you really going to drive six hours one way just to spend a day with me?”
“I’d drive six hours one way just to spend an hour with you.”
My mouth snaps shut, and I close my eyes and breathe deep and let the warmth filling my chest spread out and out and out.
“I needed to hear you say that. Thank you,” I tell him.
And I look into his eyes again.
“You’ve been worried about this, huh,” he says.
“Among other things, yeah. I’m really fucking anxious right now.”