“Yeah, like when we were kids. Let’s play two truths and a lie, but it can only be things that have happened in the last eight years. That way, there will be a little mystery.”
“All right.”
Nick opened his container of food, salivating over the rice, beans, and carne asada burrito his parents snagged him. “Mmmmm.”
“Hey hey, eyes up here. This was your idea so you go first.”
He took the utensils from the bag and cut a bite off. He could tell she was ready to throttle him. When he finally swallowed, he said, “I hated writing letters to everyone while I was deployed. One of the guys in my squad had three girlfriends. And I got a tattoo nobody knows about.”
Nick ate his burrito in silence, checking on her thoughtful expression. After several beats, she finally set her taco down and pointed, “You didn’t get a tat.”
“Ehhh. I did.”
“Wait, where?”
Nick grinned. “Maybe I’ll show it to you sometime.”
“Tease.”
“Yup.” He took a massive bite, chewed, and finally swallowed. “Your turn.”
“Wait, what was the lie, then?”
“The guy in my squad had four girlfriends. Not three.”
“Ugh fine.” She took a long sip and covered her mouth to burp discreetly. “Excuse me.”
“So hot.”
“I know. Now, let’s see.” She tapped a finger against her bottom lip, her eyes directed at the ceiling, deep in thought. “I started doing yoga. I went on a double date with your sister. And I have a secret TikTok account where I sing.”
Nick pointed at her. “There is no way you’d be on TikTok.”
“You really think I do yoga?” she huffed.
Nick’s eyes widened. “I wanna see!”
“No!”
His brow furrowed in disappointment. “What? Why? You let strangers watch you and not me? Why even tell me about it?”
“It’s set to private. No one sees.”
“I wanna see it. Please.”
“No, let’s move on. Your turn.”
Nick reached across the bed and took her hand. “Do you think I’ll make fun of you? I won’t. You are amazing, Noel. I forgot how good you were until we sang together.”
Noel hesitated, but finally pulled out her phone and handed it to him with a resigned sigh. “Just tap on the app.”
Nick did and watched the first video. She sang a cover of his favorite song and the significance of that was not lost on him. The next song, “Hanging by a Moment” by Lifehouse, was her favorite. Her soulful rendition tugged at him, creating a warmth in his stomach. She closed her eyes, passion and joy etched in her features for the sixty-second-long video and Nick’s eyes stung with emotion.
Noel tried to take her phone back but he held it away from her.
“Okay, you saw it. You happy?”
“I want to see them all, but I’ll wait for another time.” He gave her back her phone, squeezing her hand. “Thanks for letting me see it.”
“You’re welcome,” she mumbled, her cheeks still red.
“Now, about the double date with my sister…”
Noel groaned. “In my defense, you Winterses are a persistent lot.”
“Come on. Who did you two go out with?”
“She met a guy on Tinder who had a friend. Worst. Date. Ever.”
“I’m surprised you got that far. Isn’t Tinder mostly dick pics and hookups?”
“Well we managed to find the only two guys looking for something more meaningful, but as a collective.”
“What does that mean?”
“They were together, looking for girlfriends.”
“If they were together…why did they want you?”
“They were pansexual looking for a third and fourth member of their duo. Nice guys, but I don’t share well. Which is funny, considering my lack of committed relationships thus far.”
Nick chuckled. “For the record, I don’t share well either.”
“I never took you for the jealous type.”
“Doesn’t happen often.” Only with you, Nick thought.
“I’ve been jealous of Amber,” Noel admitted. “Of the two of you.”
Nick brought her hand to his mouth and kissed the back of it. “You have nothing to be jealous of.”
Noel released a nervous laugh and took her hand back. “I need this to eat, Romeo.”
“Whelp, I guess it’s me again, then. Hmmm… I learned how to speak Arabic. I can crotchet.” Nick watched her take another bite and grinned broadly. “And I can’t wait for you to finish your dinner so I can kiss you again.”