You've Found Oliver (You've Reached Sam, #2)(58)

“I know you didn’t.”

We sit there for a while, listening to the branches brushing against each other. Julie helped me go through this the first time around. I wonder what future her from the spring would say to me. Probably something I don’t want to hear right now.

Eventually, Julie helps me up to my feet. Then she walks me back to campus.

At least we get to spend more time together. It reminds me how much I’ve missed her lately. We grab some food from the dining hall and head to the library. I don’t bother to study for anything. But watching her write makes it feel like old times again. Who knows how much longer I’ll be here, so I try to enjoy the hours we have together.

But I’m still here when I wake up the next morning.

And I’m here the day after that.

I’m starting to think that I’m not going back.





Chapter

Twenty-two



It’s a whirlwind of a school week. I’m trying to pin down my schedule as I sit through my old classes. I never thought I’d have to memorize the geologic time scale again. I don’t remember where any of my notes are. Is it really possible I’m stuck here? And I have to take all my finals again? I was freaking out about that, but some things have started to come back to me. Like memories, filling the gaps in my head. Maybe it’s not the end of the world if I stay. Who wouldn’t want to redo the last six months of their life? Especially if it means being closer to someone you love.

Ben is coming to see me later. It’s been difficult making plans over text since my phone is still acting up. I’ve had to restart it several times this morning. I wish I could just call to hear the sound of his voice. But it doesn’t matter, because at least this means I’ll get to spend more time with him. After all, he’s the main reason I’m back here. Right?

We’re planning to meet up after class. I wanted to introduce him to Mom at our Thursday dinner, but she isn’t really speaking to me. She canceled dinner tonight and took an extra shift at the restaurant. I know she’s still upset about me missing her birthday. I wish she would give me a chance to make it up to her.

At least Julie is still around. I’ve missed her so much. I know she and Ben already met briefly, but I can’t wait for her to start actually getting to know him. We’re all going to grab some food in town when he arrives. I invited her this morning, when I met her at the library again. She was sitting at her usual spot, staring silently out the window. There was something so sad and lonely about it. I wonder what she was thinking about.

It was always her plan to leave Ellensburg. She never really liked it here, which I don’t blame her for. Especially after Sam died. I know she’ll be in Copenhagen in the spring, but it feels like I’ve trapped her into some temporary limbo with me. I remember how happy she sounded over the phone. I almost miss hearing all the stories she shared about her travels. I’m trying not to think about it too much. It’s not like there’s anything I can do about it now.



* * *





I’m meeting Ben outside of Sun and Moon. I know it hasn’t actually been that long since we saw each other, but these last few days have felt like months. My body floods with happiness when I turn the corner and see Ben standing on the sidewalk, holding flowers. A smile blooms across his face, and I wrap my arms around him, pressing myself against him. All my stress falls away when we’re together. I breathe in the familiar scent on his shirt. Then I glance at the flowers and say, “Are those for me?”

“Oh, no. They’re actually for Julie.”

“You brought them for Julie?”

“I want to make sure to leave a good impression,” he says. “Since I know her opinion is important to you.”

“Oh, that’s sweet of you. But I like flowers, too, you know?” I crack a smile. “Besides, I’m sure she’ll love you no matter what. You guys actually have a lot in common.”

“Hopefully. Are we waiting for her here?”

“She had to stop at home first.” I check my phone again. “She says she’ll meet us at the diner. You’ll like it. They serve breakfast all day.”

“Hopefully not as good as mine,” he says, smiling. “I’m actually starving though.”

Mo’s is your typical small-town diner. It’s changed names and owners several times over the years, but the décor pretty much stays the same. Round barstools, checkered linoleum floors, a jukebox playing in the corner. We sit close together on the same side of the booth, and Ben tells me about his busy week at school. The research project he’s working on in the lab might get published next year.

“The one about black holes?” I ask.

Ben nods. “It’s being reviewed right now, so we’ll see where it goes.”

Finally, Julie comes through the door. She takes a seat on the other side of the booth and sighs. “Sorry I’m late. I had to help my mom check the house for microphones. She thinks the government is listening to us again.” She smiles politely at Ben. “Hi. I believe we’ve already met.”

Ben smiles back. “Only briefly. Apologies for interrupting your date last time,” he says.

I shrug. “Eh, never liked the guy anyway. Scottie, right?”

“His name was Craig.”