Beneath the Fallen Stars

“She’s… awful.” Her voice is soft.

“She really is. It’s a shame. She didn’t used to be, but when she realized I wasn’t going to change my mind about enlisting, she changed.” I place my arm on the small of her back and lead her away from the register.

“You broke her heart.”

“That’s what she tells me, but she never acted heartbroken. She just sort of went crazy. She used to write me letters all the time telling me how I ruined her life. She claimed that I stole her youth. We dated for two years, and when I enlisted, something I’d talked about since I was young, she flipped. She once told me in a letter that she thought she could change me.”

“That’s terrible. I’d never want to change you.”

“Maybe not, but you have.”

“How so?” She tilts her head to the side.

“You’ve settled yourself here.” I place my hand over my chest. “And here.” I tap my temple. “Not only that, but I’m thinking about things like the future, and even maybe not reenlisting after this next contract is up. I’ve always wanted the army to be my lifetime career but meeting you, it’s made me look at things differently.”

“We’ve known each other a week.”

I nod. “Yep.” I know without a shadow of a doubt this woman is for me. I’m ready to lay my heart on the table and I hope that she accepts it. Before I have to leave her again, we need to have our expectations defined.

“Do you think that’s too fast?”

“Do you?”

She doesn’t answer right away, and I love that she’s taking my question seriously. I’m waiting patiently, at least that’s how it appears on the outside when in reality, I’m a bundle of nerves waiting for her to tell me her answer. That’s something else that’s new for me since meeting her. I have this sappy shit in my head, like marriage and kids and houses in the country with white picket fences. Sure, I’ve never been one to play the field, but I’ve also never seen my future so vividly in my mind. And next to me every time is her.

“No. Not with you. I know this is going to sound ridiculous, but it feels as though I’ve known you for years.”

“As long as you and I know the connection that we have, and we’re good with the pace, I don’t give a fuck what anyone else says or thinks. You’re all that matters, Shayne.”

“Your family?”

“I love them. They love me, and they know that you make me happy. It’s as simple as that.”

“I have a confession.”

“I’m all ears,” I say, standing. “Let me toss these empties, and pay for this sign, and we can head out.” I grab her empty cup along with mine and toss them in the trash. The cashier at the register gives me a curious look but doesn’t comment as I pay for the sign, and she bags it up for me. Walking back to where Shayne is waiting by the door, I offer her my hand, and she takes it with ease, allowing me to lead her out of the flower shop. “Now, this confession,” I say, sliding my arm around her shoulders. She snuggles in close, and I love it. I love being close to her, holding her. I love that she’s here in my hometown and that connection we have, it’s stronger here. Running into Sara, I felt… nothing. She’s an old acquaintance. I’m not even irritated with all her letters she assaulted me with the first two years. I’m just done with her. I don’t know if that’s because of the beautiful woman in my arms, but I’m pretty sure it does.

“I was jealous,” she says, keeping her eyes on the sidewalk in front of us.

“Jealous?”

“Of Sara.”

“What?” I stop and place my hands on her shoulders to face me. “Explain that.”

“She’s beautiful. She reminds me of a freaking Barbie doll. And I’m just—” She looks down at her cutoff jean shorts, tank top, and flip-flops. “I’m just me.”

“Just you? Shay, baby, you’re everything. I felt nothing seeing Sara again. Nothing. I don’t even hate her. In fact, I was just thinking that very thing. She’s someone I used to know.”

“Someone you used to know,” she repeats.

“And you, my beautiful, Shayne, you’re… everything.” Bending, I softly press my lips to hers. I’d love to do nothing more than to push her up against the storefront and devour her, but there’s a time and place for that. I, for one, prefer not to have an audience when I devour her.

Pulling out of the kiss, she studies me, a small grin tilting her lips. “Well, now what are we gonna do? I’ve met the ex and her parents, and I feel validated.” She grins.

“We’re going to finish your tour of the town and head back to Mom and Dad’s. Dad’s grilling out again and inviting over some extended family. And we should probably check up on Chad and Faith.”