The Day to Remember Read Online Free PDF Page B

and the mess she had caused. “Don’t apologize. There’s nothing you should be sorry for. I’m sorry you had to meet her that way. I didn’t realized she told you she was my girlfriend. She kept denying she said anything. We broke up three years ago. I know it’s not an excuse, but she’s going through a lot right now. We dated for eight years, and sometimes, I’m not sure if she has completely accepted the fact that we’re not together anymore.
    “Yeah, it doesn’t seem like she has,” Emma agreed. Her voice was even, and I could tell she was trying to hide her feelings from me.
    “Hey,” I squeezed her arms lightly, “that doesn’t matter. I told her about you and she knows that we’re together—at least I hope we’re still together.” I looked at her for affirmation.
    She nodded with a small smile, and I felt a huge weight of anxiety lift from my shoulders. I was relieved that we’re finally moving on from this misunderstand.
    “Hey, I’m really sorry for putting you through all this. I know I caused you a lot of pain. I want to do something special for you.”
    “Oh, you don’t have to. Just don’t hurt me again, and I’ll be happy.” She gave me a smile that masked the pain I could see that I had caused.
    Man, she was too swee t and forgiving. I pulled her in for another kiss—this time, our lips lingered and we explored each other with a rushed eagerness. I almost forgot how much I missed her lips; they were soft and sweet, and instantly, I wished the pier wasn’t full with the lunch crowd rush walking past us.
    “What are you doing after work today?” I asked brightly. I wanted to show her how much I cared about her. I wanted to plan something romantic for her. I wanted her to know how sorry I was for causing her so much pain.
    “Honestly, I haven’t thought that far ahead. When I got up for work today, this wasn’t how I anticipated the day to go,” she said.
    “Well, I hope it’s better than what you had anticipated.”
    “Definitely,” she laughed.
    Then her expression immediately changed and became serious. “Don’t hurt me again,” she said in a serious tone as she gently hit my arm.
    I smiled at her. “I won’t. I promise.” I kissed her again, trying to reassure her that I meant it, trying to reassure myself that I wouldn’t. I would not be able to live with myself if I hurt her again. I pushed away those thought. “Well, if you’re free, can I stop by after work? Let’s say 7 p.m.? I need to pick up a few things, but I can pick up some dinner and we can hang out. How does that sound?”
    “It sounds nice,” she smiled—a smile that put a smile on my face. “Just one problem,” she continued.
    My body tensed. “What?”
    “I’m not sure I trust you with food, so don’t bring over dinner. I’ll cook.” Her playfulness made me laughed and it was this same playfulness that I loved and felt at ease with.
    “Deal. Even though you almost burned down my place last time with that au jus sauce, I’ll put my life in your hands and let you cook,” I teased back.
    We smiled and looked at each other in silence, and for a brief moment, the hubbub of other people on the pier became muffled and distance, and all that mattered was Emma. Emma and me. Together.
    ***
    I heard my phone go off in the bedroom as I stepped out of the shower. Maybe it was Emma , I thought with a smile. Emma had texted a few times after work to figure out what we’d be having for dinner. I was pretty sure we had decided on some curry butter chicken thing. I think I’ve had that once at an Indian restaurant. She also mentioned some grilled asparagus with cheese or something. I’ve had grilled asparagus and enjoyed it, but I didn’t have the heart to question her about the cheese part, or about grilled asparagus with Indian food. Maybe I should stop by McDonald’s on the way there just to be on the safe side.
    I s haved and slapped on some aftershave before getting dressed. I wanted