He wraps me in a big, chest-crushing hug and I smile against his ... whoa. When did Ford's chest become so hard and muscular? Pulling away, I give him a long onceover. His arms are a lot bigger than I remember, too. I think back to the last time we were together. I guess a lot can change in one whole school year.
"Are you ogling me, Banana?"
"Are you on steroids, Campbell? Or do you spend every waking second at the gym? Wouldn't that get in the way of your incessant comic book reading and crazy-boring computer programming?"
I tease him, but Ford is the smartest person I know. He left MIT with about a hundred job offers. After months of agonizing, he narrowed it down to two different positions. One is in San Francisco, and the other one is in Washington, DC. Guess which one I hope he takes?
"She comes off the train in rare form, everyone," he announces to the platform of dwindling pedestrians.
I roll my eyes because I'm honestly not sure what else to do besides openly stare at my suddenly kinda-hot best friend. "Ha. Ha. Ha. You are so hilarious. Why don't you stop being such a goober and help me with these bags."
"I thought your parents were up a couple of weeks ago to help you with your stuff," he says as he grabs my two heavier bags as if they weigh no more than a paperback book.
"They were." I look over at him as we walk through the door that will take us to the tiny parking lot. The Cherrydale train station is less of a station and more of a platform attached to a parking lot with one tiny vending machine that has been out of order more years than I've been in college.
"Coulda fooled me," he says and points toward his car. "Bet they were bummed they couldn't be here when you got home."
"Totes," I say and climb into the front seat. "But they had that wedding for my dad's boss's daughter. They're making a whole weekend out of it."
Ford laughs and puts the car into drive. As we make our way from the train station and through our super small central Pennsylvania town, I do my usual inventory of the area, noting what's changed (not much) and what's new (also, not much).
Letting out a sigh, I lean my head against the headrest. I don't think I can ever live in this small town again. Washington, DC, will definitely be a welcomed adjustment. I still can't believe I'll be starting Georgetown Law in two short weeks. Ahhhh.
"Tired?" Ford asks.
"Nah. Just feeling ... introspective," I decide.
"Well, if that's all." He makes a turn onto my parents' street. "I happened to hear of a party that one certain redhead might like to attend tonight."
I turn said red-haired head in his direction. "Someone in this town is having a party?"
"Ran into Sam this morning. Some girl who was a year younger than us is returning to college next week, so she's throwing a sort of alumni homecoming and end-of-summer party tonight. Should be some people from our year, too."
My heart starts beating fast. "Really?"
I watch Ford roll his eyes. "Yes, really. Seriously, Lan? Is this whole hook-up-with-Wes-Givens plan still green-lit?"
"Yes! Of course. This could be the last time I ever see him."
"Not really. Just come home for the holidays and stop by the gas station."
My turn to roll my eyes as Ford pulls his car into my driveway. "Wes doesn't work at the gas station." What a cliche if he did. The talented high-school quarterback pumping gas and cleaning windshields.
"No, but he works for his dad's insurance company here in town. Nothing glamorous about it."
"Shut up. Stop ruining this moment for me." I get out of the car. Ford has already grabbed my bags and is heading to the porch.
"I wouldn't dream of ruining the perfect night of cheap keg beer and high school dreams for you."
"You're so dramatic. Quit whining and go take a shower. We have some partying to do tonight." I stick the key in the front lock but quickly turn around and wrap my arms around Ford. "Thanks for picking me up."
I feel him relax against me. I also can't help but notice that he smells amazing. When did he start wearing whatever scent this is?
He offers up his grin. "Pick you up at eight."
AFTER A MUCH-NEEDED LONG shower, my day of travel is washed away, my hair is shiny, and my skin is nice and clear. I throw on a pair of tight leggings and a baby blue tank top, accessorizing with both a long and short necklace and tiny star earrings that Ford gave me for my birthday last year.
As I make my way around my childhood bedroom, I can't stop thinking about Ford. We didn't get to see each other as much this year as usual. We had the same spring break but Ford went to Puerto Rico with some friends. Instead of spending Christmas at home like usual, my family went to Arizona to visit my grandparents. I missed him.