Julie leaned in for a hug, smiling at Erin's typically awkward embrace. "It's a big day, huh?"
"A long overdue day. Come on, we're all in the backyard." Erin waited for Julie to step into the house. "Well, come on. Don't be shy. This is practically your house, too."
Julie forced her feet to move. Breathe, breathe, breathe.They walked to the dining room. A platter with bagels and spreads sat in the center of the table underneath a mass of balloons, and ribbons had been tied to the backs of the chairs. The room was lighter and cheerier than Julie had ever seen it.
"Tell me about your summer, Julie. You and I have barely seen in each other in months, and I don't like not knowing what's going on with you. And have you registered for fall classes yet? I'd be honored to look over your course options with you." She pulled out a chair. "Here, sit down. Coffee?"
Julie nodded. She spent twenty minutes trying her best to pay attention to Erin's advice about the upcoming semester. She had missed Erin and was so happy to see how engaged and genuinely cheerful she was. But her mind was elsewhere.
Celeste bounded into the room and practically toppled her with a hug. "Why is it that nobody told me you had arrived? Oh, my gosh! Are these for me?"
Julie nodded and handed her a massive bouquet of flowers. "Congratulations, pal. I know this day means a lot to you. It does to me, too."
"I'm going to find out if Roger is almost ready," Erin said. "He has been in the basement for two hours, and the house is still sweltering." She fanned herself with her hand as she left the room. "August in Boston never fails to infuriate me."
"My dad is fiddling with the AC system," Celeste explained. "Don't go near him until he has finished, because he's not very adept and has already given himself two minor shocks. Did you see Matt yet? He's hiding in the backyard. I think he's nervous."
"Join the club."
Celeste touched Julie's arm. "Do not be nervous, Julie. This is going to work out marvelously. I believe in you. Both of you."
"We'll see."
Julie went through the kitchen and out through the back door to the porch.
He was there. Out on the lawn, standing with his back to her, his hands tucked into his shorts pockets. He looked amazing. Everything about him pulled her in. Julie touched her palm to her chest, reminding herself again to breathe, to calm down. "Matt."
Matt turned around hesitantly and gave her a shy wave. He had on the same Nietzsche Is My Homeboy shirt that he'd worn the first day she met him. It was exactly as it should be.
"Matty!" She called his name louder this time, wondering if he could hear the relief she felt at seeing him. She ran down the steps, needing him more than she could ever have imagined. It had been a long summer of heartache, but at least she finally knew whom her heart had been aching for.
She couldn't reach him fast enough.
Matt rushed forward and caught her as she flew into his arms. She wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck, hugging him tightly. It had been so long since she had been close to him. Too long.
"Julie." There was nothing more wonderful than the way he said her name. How had she never noticed that? "What's wrong? Are you OK?" She heard his confusion and concern.
She laughed as she hung on to Matt. "I am now."
She sniffed, aware that she'd become a blubbering mess in an instant. But that's what love does to you. Gut-wrenching, overpowering, crushing, fulfilling, complex, bring-you-to-your-knees love.
"I missed you," she whispered into his ear. And she had. His voice, his touch, the way he moved... everything about him.
"Yeah?" he asked softly.
"Yes. So much."
He held her close while she rested her head on his shoulder and ran her hands over his back, neither of them willing to let the other go. And with the way they were glued to each other, she knew that this was not like the last time they had been this close. This was not goodbye.
"I'm so sorry. It was always you," she said.
"What?" he murmured.
She lifted her head and pressed her cheek against his. "It was always you. I thought it was somebody else, but it was you. You were the person I felt."
Julie heard him catch his breath, and she dropped her feet to the ground, keeping her body against his. Matt put his hands on her hips, pulling her in more. God, he felt so perfect. Then his lips were on hers, kissing her hard, passionately. Differently than before. No more pretending, no more denying, no more sadness. His fingers moved just under the bottom of her shirt, lightly brushing her lower back, and then her waist was in his hands. His grip was firm, solid, comforting. God, the feel of his hands against her skin... He kissed her neck, his lips soft, his tongue hot, and his breathing picking up. She whimpered quietly. He was such a guy, totally picking the worst time ever to get them all riled up. Later, she told herself. Later, they could be alone.
Julie forced herself to back away every so slightly. "Come on. We're going to have an audience soon." She grabbed his hand and pulled him behind her, determined not to let go of him again. "And we're leaving in an hour."
"I could make a lot of things happen in an hour," Matt offered.
Julie spun around and raised an eyebrow as she walked backwards. "I bet you could." He was making it tempting to take off with him, but this day was important. "I promise you'll have that chance. But for now, we have to go eat. You, Celeste, Flat Finn, and I are leaving together. We have someplace to be."