Second Chances in New Port Stephen - Chapter 107

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Second Chances in New Port Stephen - Chapter 107

Eli gestured with both hands at an area of nothing in front of him, like he was pointing out
evidence that didn’t exist. “There was no running. I didn’t run! It wasn’t even a brisk jog.”
But Nick was just starting to warm to his theme. “And then, the other night on the beach, you
said there was no way we could be anything more than a onenight stand. Several-night stand.
Whatever.”
“Right, but I was only saying that because I thought that’s what you were trying to say!”
“I never said anything like that!”
“Jesus Christ and all the saints.” Eli buried his face in his hands, gave a muffled scream, and then
resurfaced with his fingertips tented under his chin. “Okay. Let me start over.”
Nick shrugged expansively. “Fine.”
“Thank you. God.” Eli took a deep breath. “You know me better than anyone else in the world,
Nick. Getting to know you all over again these last few weeks, it’s been amazing. I’m lighter with
you. I laugh harder around you. You’re so fucking funny and you’re not even trying, which is
annoying because I put so much goddamn effort into making you laugh.”
Nick’s lips parted. “You do?”
“Yeah. Tons. But only because you have the best laugh, and I want to hear it all the time.” Nick
could see his throat bob as he swallowed. “And I really thought I was wearing my heart on my
sleeve here, but I guess not, so: I love you, I do. And I’m sorry it’s taken all this”—he waved his
hands back and forth
between them—“to get that out in the open. You’re important to me, and I don’t want you to
feel any pressure about anything. I just… wanted you to know, I guess.”
Nick’s heart was in his throat. He couldn’t get a single word around it. Shouts rose from behind
them. The countdown had begun. “Ten! Nine! Eight!”
Eli couldn’t seem to let the silence between them stretch on, because he plowed ahead: “And in
case it’s not clear, I want serious. Because I can’t imagine ever wanting anything but the whole
shebang with you.”
“Seven! Six! Five!”

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“Foot rubs and weekends with Zoe and sick days in front of the TV. All of that. You’re the person
I want for everything,” Eli said.
“Four! Three! Two!”
“Nick? Am I too late?”
“One! Happy New Year!” A roar of noisemakers and wordless shouts erupted from the
restaurant. At the end of the dock, Nick stared at Eli in silence as the band struck up “Auld Lang
Syne.”
“I don’t know what to say,” Nick said.