Chapter 9
The drive felt longer than it probably was, mostly because Finn still wouldn’t tell me where we were going. I kept glancing at him, trying to read his expression.
“Where are we going?” I asked again, curiosity slipping into my voice.
He smiled, eyes still on the road. “I put something together at a specific location. I don’t want to spoil it until we get there.”
Then, softer, “I know we’re friends… but I’m hoping to change that between us.”
Heat rushed to my cheeks. I didn’t know what to say at first — my mind blank, my heart doing somersaults.
“Well… how long until we get there?” I finally managed.
“Not much longer,” he said, and the excitement and nerves tangled together in my stomach.
When we finally pulled up to Griffith Observatory, my breath caught. The city stretched out below us, glowing under the early evening sky. Finn parked near the entrance, turned off the car, and stepped out. He came around to my side and opened the door for me.
“Thank you,” I said, stepping out into the cool air.
He grabbed a few things from the trunk — bags, a blanket — and nodded toward the path. “Ready?”
“Ready.”
We walked only a short distance before I saw it: a picnic blanket laid out neatly, decorated with small touches that were unmistakably behind him — thoughtful, simple, sweet.
“Over here,” he said, guiding me toward it.
We sat down, the city lights shimmering below us. I looked around, taking it all in. “This view… and the city… it’s beautiful.”
“You’re beautiful,” he said, taking my hand and looking straight into my eyes.
I turned toward him, blushing. “Aw, thank you. You look handsome tonight.”
“Thank you,” he murmured, then leaned in and kissed me. I kissed him back, warmth blooming in my chest.
“I haven’t felt this happy in a long time,” I admitted. “Despite everything that happened on the trip… and when I got home… none of that matters right now. I’m here with you.”
“I’m glad I can make you happy,” he said softly.
We started eating the snacks he brought, talking, laughing — until something in the distance caught my eye. A familiar shape. Two familiar shapes.
Chase and Evelyn.
Of all places. Of all nights.
Finn noticed the shift in my expression. “What happened? What are you looking at?”
“Nothing…” I said quickly.
He nudged me gently. “Tell me.”
I sighed. “I spotted Chase and Evelyn across from us.”
He shrugged. “I wouldn’t worry about them.”
“I’m not,” I said honestly. “I’m here with you. That’s all that matters.”
“That’s the spirit.”
We tried to enjoy the rest of our date — but then Chase noticed us. He said something to Evelyn, and the two of them started walking straight toward us.
I nudged Finn. “Look up ahead.”
He exhaled sharply. “Oh great… Just stay cool. I’ll take care of it.”
“Got it,” I whispered. “I’ll be right here if you need backup.”
They reached us.
“Hey, you guys,” Chase said. “What are you up to?”
Finn didn’t hesitate. “Not much, man. Me and her are on a date.”
Chase blinked. “A date? With Lola?”
“Yeah,” Finn said. “And?”
I stayed quiet, letting Finn handle it.
Chase scoffed. “I didn’t think you were into Finn like that.”
“He’s actually a great guy,” I said calmly. “And appreciative.”
Finn smiled at me, then turned serious. “Is there anything you need?”
Chase swallowed. “I want Lola back in my life.”
Evelyn’s face fell. “I thought you loved me.”
“I do,” Chase said, “but… my heart belongs to her. I’m sorry.”
Disgust twisted in my stomach.
“I’m sorry,” I said, “but I don’t want you back in my life. I know exactly how this would go — you’d manipulate me into believing you changed, and we’d end up right where we started. I’m not doing that again. You have Evelyn, who loves you.”
Evelyn stepped forward, and voice became softer. “I want to apologize too… for coming between you and Chase back then. My head wasn’t in the right place. And him lying to you was wrong — to both of us.”
I nodded slowly. “I accept your apology. We were teens. We’re in different places now.”
Chase looked miserable. “Can you at least think about giving us another chance? I know I screwed up. I want to make things right.”
I took a breath. “I did think about it. And I decided what’s best for me. I’m moving on from you, Chase.”
He frowned. “And you’re into Finn, huh?”
I lifted my chin. “Matter of fact, I am. And he’s the opposite of you — in a good way.”
I turned to Finn. “You know what? Let’s go. They ruined our date.”
“Agreed,” he said immediately.
We packed everything up, and I told Chase and Evelyn, “Goodbye. Goodnight.”
Then we walked back to the car.
A few hours later, we were at my house. My dad was in his room, probably working or relaxing.
“I’m sorry this isn’t ideal for a date,” I said nervously. “It was the only thing I could think of to make it better.”
“Don’t worry about it,” Finn said, looking around. “I’ve never been inside your house before. And it’s just us while your dad’s in his room. Win‑win.”
I laughed softly. “I’m glad you think this is better after what happened.”
“They’re not here now,” he said. “It’s peaceful. No interruptions.”
Then he smiled. “I’ll make the next date better.”
I smiled back.
He hesitated, then said, “I know we’ve known each other since you and Chase were dating… but during the Yosemite trip, I felt a spark between us. I hoped you did too.”
“It took me a little bit,” I admitted. “But the more time we spent together… the more I started falling for you. I just didn’t want to rush into anything.”
“I get that,” he said. “I respect whatever pace you want. I’m just glad you felt something too — after we kissed.”
We both laughed softly.
Then he asked the question that made my heart stop.
“Will you be my girlfriend?”
My heart exploded in the best way. “I’d love to.”
His whole face lit up. “I’m happy now.”
“I’m happy too,” I said. “Now that we’re officially dating.”
We curled up on the couch, put on a movie, and just… existed together. Warm. Close. Safe.
Later, Finn stood up. “I better get going. I have class tomorrow.”
“Oh — yeah,” I said, standing with him. “I’ll text you tonight or when I wake up.”
He leaned in and kissed me. “Goodnight. Sleep tight. I’ll be thinking of you.”
“Goodnight, handsome.”
He walked out, and I closed the door gently behind him.
I cleaned up the small mess, tossed everything in the trash, then went to my room. After my usual routine, I lay down, let my eyes close, and drifted into sleep — peaceful for the first time in a long time.