PART 14:

Every reason why this is a bad idea. Every way it could blow up. And I keep coming back to the same conclusion. Which is? That I don’t care. Or I care, but not enough to stop. Ariana took a sip of coffee, made a face. You weren’t kidding. This is terrible. Told you. I’m drinking it anyway. Why? She met his eyes. Because you made it for me.

The moment stretched between them. Daniel was acutely aware of how close she was, of the way her hair had come loose from its clip, of the fact that they were alone in his kitchen and Sophie was occupied in her room. I should probably tell you something, Ariana said quietly. What? I’m terrified, too. Of this. Of getting it wrong.

Of hurting you or Sophie. Of having my family implode. Of every possible way this could end badly. And yet here you are. Here I am. She set down her coffee. Because despite all of that, I haven’t felt this alive in years. And I’m selfish enough to want to see where it goes. That’s not selfish. Isn’t it? Knowing the complications, the potential fallout, and doing it anyway? That’s called taking a chance.

There’s a difference. Is there? Daniel moved closer, closing the distance between them. Yeah. There is. He could see her pulse beating in her throat, could count the flecks of gold in her dark eyes. Could reach out and touch her if he wanted to. Daniel, she said, voice barely above a whisper. Yeah? If you’re going to kiss me, do it before I lose my nerve.

So he did. It was soft at first, tentative, testing. Then Ariana’s hands were in his hair and his were at her waist, and it was everything and nothing like he’d imagined. She tasted like terrible coffee and something sweet he couldn’t identify. She made a small sound against his mouth that shot straight through him.

They broke apart when Sophie’s voice called from the hallway. Dad, can Ariana stay for dinner? Ariana stepped back, cheeks flushed, hair more disheveled than before. Daniel tried to remember how to form words. Uh maybe? Sophie appeared in the doorway, looked between them, grinned knowingly. You were kissing. Sophie.

It’s okay. People who like each other kiss. That’s normal. She turned to Ariana. So, can you stay? Dad makes really good spaghetti. Ariana looked at Daniel. He shrugged helplessly. I do make pretty good spaghetti. He admitted. Then I’d love to stay. Ariana said. Dinner was chaos. Sophie talked non-stop asking Ariana questions about everything from her favorite color to whether she believed in aliens.

Ariana answered each one seriously, never condescending, never dismissive. Daniel watched them together and felt something dangerous taking root in his chest. Hope, maybe. Or something bigger than hope. After dinner, Sophie insisted on showing Ariana her favorite movie about astronauts.

They ended up on the couch, Sophie between them, explaining plot points Ariana had clearly already figured out. Halfway through, Sophie fell asleep, head on Daniel’s shoulder. She’s out. Ariana whispered. Movie always does this. I’ve never actually seen the ending. Should we turn it off? Probably, but if I move, she’ll wake up. I could help carry her to bed.

Together they managed to get Sophie to her room without fully waking her. She mumbled something about Mars rovers and settled immediately into sleep. Back in the living room, they stood awkwardly. It was nearly 9. Ariana should probably go, but Daniel didn’t want her to. I should Ariana started. Stay.

Daniel said. Then realizing how that sounded, I mean, for a bit. If you want. Ariana smiled. I want. They sat on the couch closer than necessary. Daniel’s heart was still racing from the kiss earlier, from having her in his space, from how natural this all felt despite being completely insane. Can I ask you something? Ariana said.

Sure. What changed between yesterday when you were ready to back off and today when you kissed me in your kitchen? Daniel thought about it. Sophie, I think. She asked me why I couldn’t just be brave and tell someone I like them, like I always tell her to do. And I realized I was being a coward. You’re not a coward.

I’ve been one for 2 years. Safe choices, low risks, no complications. It was easier than being hurt again. And now? Now I’m tired of easy, and you’re worth the risk. Ariana leaned into him, head on his shoulder. What happens next? I don’t know. We figure it out as we go? That’s not much of a plan. It’s all I’ve got.

She laughed softly. Okay, we’ll figure it out. They sat like that for a while, not talking, just being together. Eventually, Ariana had to leave. Daniel walked her to her car, suddenly reluctant to let her go. Tomorrow? She asked. Can’t tomorrow. Sophie has a school thing. Tuesday? Tuesday works. She paused, hand on her car door.

Thank you for today. For letting me in. Thank you for staying. She kissed him again, quick and soft, then got in her car. Daniel watched her drive away, standing in the parking lot until her tail lights disappeared. When he went back inside, he found a note on the kitchen counter in Sophie’s handwriting. I like her. She can stay.

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