“That’s good,” she replied, waving her hand in a motion to keep going.

“He’s in the Army—”

“They always are, around here.” She laughed. “My man was, too.”

“He’s so sweet,” I said. “And smart. He opens doors for me and walks me to my car and brings me dinner when I’m overloaded with schoolwork.”

“He sounds great,” she said, leaning forward to whisper. “What’s he look like? How’s he in bed?”

“He’s tall, dark, and handsome,” I said, pausing as she hummed in appreciation. “And he has these super-long eyelashes and this gorgeous smile that just—” I sighed.

“Makes you weak in the knees, does it?” she replied knowingly.

“It makes me weak everywhere,” I joked, making her chuckle.

“And the sex?” she asked, wiggling her eyebrows.

“Insanely good,” I whispered, excited to tell someone about it. “I’ve never been with someone that did everything right the first time, you know?” She nodded in understanding. “I mean, usually it takes time to figure out what the other person likes.”

“Hell, there’s a lot of guys that never get it right.” She rolled her eyes. “If you catch my meaning.”

“He definitely gets it right,” I murmured in satisfaction, remembering how hard I’d come both last night and again this morning. “Usually twice.”

Elise laughed. “Well, I’m glad,” she said. “You’ve always been so serious and focused around here. It’s been nice to see you happy for a change.”

“I’ve always been happy,” I replied, surprised at her comment.

“Giddy, then,” she corrected. “Cheerful. Acting your age.”

“Distracted, you mean,” I said, grimacing.

“More like…floating around like forest animals dress you in the mornings,” she replied.

“He makes me feel beautiful,” I said seriously, shrugging.

“That’s the kind of guy you hold on to,” she replied, pointing at me as she stood up. “I better get back to work.”

*  *  *

Time flew by in a blur of Alex, school, and work. I’d never been so busy in my entire life, and surprisingly, I didn’t mind. Alex just seemed to make everything better. We’d gone from struggling to find time for each other to making time for each other, and it was easier than I could’ve imagined. Alex’s name was written in every page of my planner.

I could feel my priorities shifting, and I started considering staying in Missouri after graduation. If I was being honest with myself, I’d never seriously planned to go home to New York, but I’d never had a reason to stay in Missouri, either. I’d just assumed that I would send my résumé out all over the country and see where I got a bite. I couldn’t imagine that now, though, not if it meant leaving Alex behind. Instead, I started researching job opportunities near the university. Maybe I’d get lucky and I wouldn’t have to go anywhere.