His Forever Girl

“Don’t cry. You’re killing me here. Besides, do you really want to do the long-distance thing? I can play football anywhere. I don’t give a shit.”

“They’re happy tears. I promise.”

I pull her into me, wrapping my arms around her. I don’t know how long I hold her. When I hear the garage door open, I know our time is up for tonight. I kiss the top of her head.

“Zoey.” Her mom taps on the door before opening it. “I’m home.” Zoey lifts her head from my chest, but she doesn't pull away from me. “Hi, Reid.” Quinn gives me a smile.

“Quinn.” Zoey drops her arms. “How was the convention?” she asks.

“Good, but I’m tired.”

“You want me to make you something? Reid and I are going for burgers. I could bring something back for you.”

“No, you two go have fun. It’s nice see you over here again, Reid. Can’t say I’m surprised.”

“Glad to be back here.”

Zoey goes and gives her mom a hug. “You're not going to tell me to be back at a certain time and that I have school tomorrow or to leave the bedroom door open if Reid’s here?” Zoey teases her mom.

“Nope, you’re eighteen, Zoey. You can come and go as you please.”

“Really?”

“Have I ever told you no when you’ve asked to do something?” Quinn laughs. “Sweetheart, you got into a university with scholarships. I think you’ll make the right decisions.”

“I love you.”

Quinn kisses Zoey’s cheek. “I love you too, sweetheart. I would enjoy it if Reid did come over for dinner one night this week.”

“I’ll be there,” I answer. I didn't think things would go back to normal with Quinn, but I also didn't know it would go that smooth either. I feel a sense of relief because I not only missed Zoey but Quinn too. She’d been like a mom to me when we were growing up, and I know I hurt her too.

“Have fun,” she says before she turns, leaving us alone.

“That felt a little too easy.” I look down at Zoey. She’s got a giant smile on her face.

“I think she’s happy I’m dating.” She huffs a breath. “And we all know my mom loves you with all the ass kissing you did even when you weren't talking to me.” I give her ass a smack. She jumps, letting out an adorable squeal.

“Let’s feed you.” I take her hand, heading out of the house. We still get some looks from people when we’re out. It doesn't bother me, but Zoey fidgets some. It makes me worry a little about college. I have no idea what it will be like there. I don’t think it will be a far stretch that I’ll have attention on me. It’s something we’ll need to talk about. I want us to be beyond solid when we start school in the fall. I need to make sure there is no doubt in Zoey’s head about what we are. She is it for me, and the same goes for her; making sure she understands that I’ve never nor will I ever want another will help us both breathe easier.

The night goes by too fast, and before I know it, I’m kissing Zoey goodnight before leaving her at her doorstep. That shit is going to get old fast. I enter the side door of my house and see my dad standing in the kitchen eating a piece of pizza. He’s freshly showered, but he’s got jeans and a shirt on as if he’s going somewhere. He never goes anywhere but work or to my games.

“Want some?” he offers.

“Nah. Zoey and I went to dinner.”

His eyebrows lift. “You finally pulled your head out of your ass?” He smiles before he sits down at the table in the kitchen.

“I guess my acting skills are shit.” I open the fridge and grab a bottle of water.

“You’re going to the same college. I’m not dumb.” That’s true. There were a few better choices I could have gone with where football was concerned, but I would have played like shit even if Zoey was still my girl but lived states away. I was better off this way, being at the same school where I could see her every day. I’ve gone long enough being without her and I’m not willing to do it for another day.

“Yeah.” I take a swig of my water.

“I get it. Probably for the best you two broke apart a few years.” I’m still not sure if it was the right thing to do or not. It doesn't matter now. What’s done is done, and Zoey is mine now. That’s all that matters.

“I’m going to head up.”

He holds his fist out, and I bump the side as I pass him, heading up to my room. I fall back onto my bed and wait. When eleven o’clock hits, I’m slipping out my backdoor. I freeze, ducking behind the air conditioner when I think I hear a female voice.