Chapter 58

* * * *

“I wish you didn’t have to leave.” Stefan tugged at my arm while I got out of bed and slid clothes back on hours after my earlier conversation with Taylor.

I had to live for the normal moments. Wanting me to stay in his bed was an example of common teen behavior, which was a hint of how life should have been. The blue waned in the sky and a few beams of sunlight lingered. An owl rested on a tree branch outside of Stefan’s window.

“It’s not a big deal,” I said.

“I simply enjoy spending time with you.”

“It’ll be good for Raquel, Katherine, Taylor, and I to hang out tonight.” I grabbed my jacket from the edge of the bed, put it on, and buttoned it.

“And awkward,” Stefan added.

“Yeah. That, too.”

He beamed his eyes “I’m still surprised by Taylor.”

“That makes two of us.”

“Don’t have too much fun.”