Free The Promise of Tomorrow by J. S. Cooper Page A

in this moment with him. “I was just…”
    “What are you…” Nick laughed as we both spoke at the same time.
    “Go ahead.” I stared at the corner of his ear. An ear I had nibbled on and loved. An ear that I had studied and drawn for an art class in college my freshman year. His ear still looked the same. Even if he was now the sort of guy that wore expensive Wall Street suits.
    “It’s good seeing you.” His voice was low, and I looked up at him searchingly, wondering if he was being honest. The last words he had told me two years ago were “go to hell,” and I had often felt like he had decided my fate on that day.
    “It’s good seeing you too.” I replied awkwardly, nervously licking my lips because I didn’t know what else to do or say. I’d hated him for two long years. I’d never wanted to see his face again. And yet, here he was. And here I was. And I couldn’t get over the fact that the world hadn’t stopped. Or that we were holding a normal conversation, like two people that hadn’t been madly in love.
    “Do you want to go and grab a coffee?” He paused, and I could tell he was nervous. Maybe even more nervous than me.
    “The old Nick would have been like, let’s go to a coffee shop so you can buy one.” I laughed, remembering how many times he had conned me into going to lunch and ended up making me pay.
    “Well, today is my treat.” He gave me the endearing look that had always made my heart skip a beat, and I frowned. I didn’t want to be thinking happy thoughts about Nick Sanders. Not after everything he had done to me. Not after everything that had happened.
    “I don’t know.” I hesitated, not knowing what to say.
    “For old time’s sake, Snitch?” He looked so hopeful and earnest, and in that moment, I was reminded of the boy I once knew. The boy that had been my boyfriend and my best friend. The boy I had loved with all my heart. “It is Christmas. Can’t we grab as coffee as two old friends and celebrate the holiday spirit?”
    “Okay, for old times.” I agreed reluctantly, and we walked to the closest Starbucks chatting like old friends, as if the last two years hadn’t passed us by as strangers.

 
    Chapter 2
    Eight Years Ago
    The Day We Met
     
    “Hey, Snitch, where do you think you’re going?” His voice was loud and playful, and I looked at him, aghast.
    “Be quiet.” I whispered hastily, looking around quickly to make sure no one had heard him or seen me.
    “I didn’t think you were the sort to sneak out of school.” He raised his eyebrows, and I wanted to wipe the superior look off of his smug face. I knew what he was thinking: Lucy Oliver’s not as perfect as she seems.
    “I’m not sneaking out of school.” I lied, hoping that my face wasn’t flushing red with shame.
    “I didn’t know a snitch could lie so well.” He laughed and walked over to me, his hazel eyes flashing at me. “I should go and snitch on you too.”
    “I didn’t snitch on you.” I sighed, exasperated. “And I’m not lying.”
    “The girl with the perfect grades, the perfect looks, and the perfect life isn’t such a perfect liar.” He laughed loudly, and I pushed him against the wall.
    “I’m not perfect, I’m not a liar, and please be quiet. Do you want us both to get in trouble?” I held him back and tried to ignore the feel of his muscles beneath my fingers. I felt warm inside and my body tingled as I touched him. It was a feeling I’d never experienced before and it took me aback.
    “Where are you going?” He cocked an eyebrow at me. “And don’t tell me to a spelling bee or something. Don’t make me lose the little respect I’ve gained for you in the last five minutes.”
    “I’m 15, not 10, so no, I’m not going to a spelling bee.” I rolled my eyes at him, trying desperately to ignore the warmth of his skin beneath my hand. I averted my eyes from his piercing gaze. I had never realized just how beautifully green his eyes were before, almost as