EPILOGUE

"Wait! Nate!"

I turn around, and Natalie throws her arms around me and kisses me. I hold her close and return the kiss. Natalie's kisses are a little awkward and not as Vivian's kisses were, but I kind of like that they're a little awkward. We're each other's first serious relationship, and these awkward little kisses remind me that we're new. We're discovering each other, and that makes everything more meaningful.

She pulls away and says, "Be careful around all those cougars. Don't let one of them snatch you away from me."

I sincerely hope that she doesn't read too much into the heat in my cheeks. "I won't."

I mean that, too. I like Natalie a lot. I haven't been with her long enough to know if I love her yet, but I've been with her long enough to know that she's more special than anyone I've ever met before, and that includes Vivian.

She kisses me again. "Bye! I'll see you in two weeks!"

She's going to visit her family in San Jose for two weeks before coming back here to take summer classes. Well, a summer class. She's really staying here to be with me.

I'm pretty sure I do love her, now that I think about it.

I watch her run back to the campus with a smile on my face. She's so upbeat and happy all the time. When I'm with her, it's easy to feel the same way. I don't know what the hell she sees in my mopey ass.

I shake my head and chuckle, then get on the bus. The trip to Cudahy will take about an hour and a half, which means I'll get there just in time to pick up the van. I only have four pools to clean today, so I should be done in time to surprise Mom when she gets home from her A.A. meeting. Maybe I'll stop for pizza on the way. Not at Leo's, though. There are days when I think that the best thing about Mom getting sober is that we can have actual pizza and not the sloppy greaseball crap they serve at Leo's.

The bus arrives, and I put my bike on the rack and take a seat. I watch the campus pull away as we start moving, and I can"t help but grin. Two more years, and I'll have my criminal justice degree. As soon as I have that degree, Detective Ramirez promised she'll get me a spot in the Academy.

I hope that the old judge who gives me a second chance four years ago is still around when I get my badge. I'd love for him to see that I've made that second chance count.

My phone buzzes, and I pull it out of my pocket. It's a text from Marco.

Hey, officer Harlow. My girl's having a birthday party tomorrow. Get your mom to come too, yeah?

I chuckle and send back. I like how you just assume I can go.

Almost immediately, I receive. Don't be an asshole, bro. Bring your mom. It's a dry party anyway, so unless you're worried about her and soda, she'll be fine. Besides, who knows what you've told her about me? I don't want her to think I'm taking you out boosting.

I laugh and reply, Sounds good. I'll see you tomorrow.

You better. I know where you live, ese.

I put my phone away and look out the window. It's a beautiful day.

Two hours later, I pull up to the gate. The security guard leans out and says, "Hey! Look who it is! Good to see you, buddy."

I smile and wave. "Good to see you too, Danny."

We chat for a few minutes, then Danny opens the date, and I drive the beautiful blue and white van of the prestigious Best Pool Cleaners into sunny Autumn Downs.