“Come in.” I say, not looking up from my laptop screen.

The door opens and instead of Riley, who I thought it had been, walking it, Leo walks in. I stare at him for a moment, surprised.

“Hello.” I say, slowly.

He steps in and closes the door behind him. He sits down on the edge of my bed and looked at me for a moment. Then, he says, “Hello, Char.”

“I’m sorry.” I say. “I know I’ve said it already but I’m going to say it again. I’m sorry, I really am.”

“I know you are.” Leo says. “And I think I’m still a little mad at you, but it’s in the past.” He says.

“Really?” I ask, barely letting myself hope.

“Really, Char. I’m not sure I forgive you but it’s in the past.” He says.

I let out a sigh of relief. “I’m sorry again.” I say.

“Stop apologizing, there are other words much more important than “I’m sorry”.” He smiles, and I smile back.

“I just don’t know what else to say, it’s been all I can think about.” I say.

“Think about something else then.” Leo says, grinning.

“Like what?” I ask, hoping he’ll provide some ideas.

“Like the wedding,” he says, “when is that by the way?”

“Four days.” I say, smiling. “I’m going to Riley’s last dress fitting tomorrow.” I smile at the thought, I haven’t seen Riley’s dress yet but I know her mom agreed to the navy one in the magazine.

“You still being bridesmaid-zilla?” He asks, smiling back at me.

I shake my head. “Her mom wont be there.”

“Okay, well you have fun.” He says, kissing me on the forehead and standing up. “I have to go, I’ll see you later.”

“Bye.” I smile, my heart still skips a beat when he looks at me, I wonder if that’ll ever go away, I wonder if I want it to . . .

Leo leaves and my phone buzzes.

Mari Weathers gave me two tickets to a concert, she didn’t want the tickets. You want to come? It was August.

Sure, when is it? I type back.

tonight, 7:30 to 8:30 at The Catalyst Club.

Awesome! See you there.

See ya.

Later that night I’m standing outside of The Catalyst Club, which is alight with people, music, and neon lights.

“Hey!” A voice calls, and I turn. August is walking across the parking lot, waving at me. I wave back and smile.

“Hey!”

“Sorry I’m late, I got lost.” He says, sheepishly.

I laugh, “nice.”

“Hey, no judging, I’m new here.” He points out.

“You’ve still been here like two months.” I counter.

He shrugs. “Fine then, I just have a lousy sense of direction.”

I laugh, “come on.”

The band was half way through the concert when the power went out. Grumbling, everyone departed.

“Well that was pretty good.” August says, smiling. “Except for the ending, obviously.”

I nod in agreement. “They were pretty good.” I agree.

“Race you to the beach.” He says, taking off.

“What are you going to do? Swim?” I ask, racing after him.

We race down the sidewalk, weaving in and out of the crowd. The beach is about eight blocks from The Catalyst Club but we make it to the beach in record time.

“Ha! I win!” August shouts, dashing onto the sand.

“You’re taller, you have longer legs, therefore you had an advantage.” I say, but I’m grinning.

August stops at the shore, the waves washing against his feet and turns to me, grinning.

“Fair enough.” He says, shrugging. He takes a step towards me as a wave washing over his feet and his sandal slips off his foot and is washed into the ocean.

I stifle a laugh. “So first the surf board and now a sandal, you certainly have a talent for losing things in the ocean.”

He stares at his sandal, drifting farther and farther away. “What do I do? Do I go after my shoe?” He says more than asks.

“Yes, swim after your shoe and then I can save you from drowning again.” I say sarcastically.

“Well I guess I’m walking home with one shoe . . .” He says, sighing, and I laugh.

“Oh shut up.” He says, playfully hitting my shoulder.