"It was alright."
"Kiddo that was a 10/10 movie. It's time for me to head to bed. I'll see you in the morning," he says, stopping to kiss me on the forehead.
Now, Aiden and I are alone. It feels like high school again, being back on this couch together. Yet, so many things have changed.
"You want to watch the new Ryan Reynolds movie?" I ask, picking up the remote and flipping to it. "I've heard it's pretty good."
He smiles, and puts his hand on knee. "I'd love to."
Grapevine has always been home for me, and coming back to visit everyone has had its perks. It's incredible to see the man Aiden has become, Damon and Liam happy, and my brother looking for his happily ever after. Sure, Aiden and I have our qualms, but he isn't holding it over my head and judging me for it and that means everything.
For the duration of the movie, we remain close. He does the smooth trick of putting his arm around me, and I lean into him.
"Listen, I know I'm going back soon, but can we stay in touch? It's been nice seeing you," I say.
He swings his foot over onto the couch, and takes my hand in his. "I'd like that very much. No matter what, we are friends."
When he says that, I feel jaded. Friends? He isn't acting like he only wants to be my friend. "One day, maybe we can try again. When there isn't a thousand plus miles between us."
He nods, and plants a sweet kiss on my lips that leaves me wanting so much more.
"I'll wait as long as I have to. You're worth it."