the meaning of us

 

What was going on? Lily was stunned that Boone acted as if she never sent that text. She even had to go back to her  phone and see for herself. She knew he read it. Still, he was Mr. Perfect when meeting them at two in the morning. All smiles. Not a worry in the world, loading up the luggage and politely getting them home. Damn, that smile of is was infectious, but he didn't even hang around so they could talk.

Lily was sure her grandmother was stumped too, but they were so cordial. Nothing was the matter.

Just when was he going to let the bottom fall and they would have the biggest argument ever? It never happened.

The next day he talked a good bit about helping Dory learn to drive. They had hot chocolate and even went window shopping in Old Towne. Lily could hardly stand it, but he just kept going as if nothing had ever happened. 

Well.... maybe it was nothing anyway. Only that monthly thing had not happened. She was in a panic. But sure, she kept her composure. He was keeping his cool. Why was this happening now?

"What do you really want for Christmas," Boone had asked.

"I don't know," she practically cringed and he just laughed while they were out.

"Peace, love, and harmony, I bet." Boone sighed with happiness. "I haven't gotten COVID yet." He nodded.  "Now be careful what you wish for." He looked her in the eye.

"I'm-" Lily wanted to say she was careful, but she couldn't because she knew that wasn't true.

"Did you get your last term paper done?" Boone wanted to know. Actually, it was the only thing keeping her from graduating early. All of her other classes were already college courses.

"No." She hugged herself. Sure, she had a load of books on her desk from other libraries that needed to be returned, but she was in no mood to write.

"Oh, that's right you went to your mom's for Thanksgiving," Boone shrugged. "It's all my fault, isn't it?"

She looked at him as if she knew he was talking about something else, but he wouldn't say it.