“I’m, uh…” He clears his throat, locking his eyes with mine. “I’m gonna go backpacking this summer and focus on finishing my manuscript. I want to soul search and dig deep into myself, so this can be the best it can be. And when I return, I want to be able to publish it.”

My throat plummets to my stomach, and I feel dizzy. “What are you saying, then?”

“This doesn’t change anything for us, Stone,” he rushes out. “Nothing. I still very much want to be with you and see where this leads us, but I need to do this for myself. It’s something I started when I was alone and hurting, and I need to see it through. I don’t plan to go the entire summer without talking to you. I would actually be really fucking pissed if you didn’t talk to me all summer. I just won’t be here. It’s only a few months, and we have FaceTime and texting. Please understand this and support me with what I need.”

I’m processing everything he’s said and I’m trying to read between any lines, but I’m coming up empty. He seems genuine and a huge part of making us work is trust and communication, like I’ve said several times before. If he’s saying this isn’t the end, then I need to believe him.

“So, when will you leave?”

“I have to talk with my parents, but most likely as soon as classes break for summer. I doubt I’ll be gone the entire summer, but a good majority of it.”

“When you come back, can I read it?” I don’t know why I feel so sheepish asking him that, but it feels like a huge question. The story is largely based on us, and that’s intense.

He smirks, quirking a brow. “You’d want to?”

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”

“I don’t know. But yes, you can read it once I finish it. I would love that, in fact. You’re really okay with this?”

“Cash, I want to spend my entire life with you. If you need a few months to figure your shit out and complete this chapter of your life then, by all means, take it. So long as you come home to me when you’re done. I meant it when I said I was in love with you. I’m so fucking crazy about you and couldn’t imagine living life without you. I want you to reach your goals, chase your dreams. Things that are important to you are important to me.”