And not only do you not have anything amazing in return, but you actually don’t have anything at all?
I’m just about to admit to the horrible truth when I spy Ezer frantically gesturing to his jacket pocket. Which, after a few moments, I realize is meant to symbolize my jacket pocket. So I shove my hand inside, only to find that it’s empty.
From across the room he continues the mime, practically pummeling his left side with his fist. And not knowing what else to do, I check my other pocket, and that’s where I find a small white box bearing a shiny red ribbon that I absolutely did not put there. But that doesn’t stop me from pushing it toward Tinsley and saying, “I think this is for you.”
And yes, I really did say that: “I think this is for you.” Like it’s a mystery that needs to be solved. Which it is, but still.
Tinsley unwraps her gift like every bit is a work of art to be savored, taking the time to carefully fold the ribbon and place it on her lap before she lifts the lid, presses a hand to her heart, and squeals with delight.
Whatever it is, she seems to be thrilled, which is a giant relief.
Or at least that’s what I think until I see inside the box and nearly hurl on the spot.
What the heck is Ezer thinking?
“Oh, Nick!” Tinsley squeals. “It’s so beautiful—I don’t know what to say….”
That makes two of us, so I choose to say nothing.
And not just because the cameras are rolling in for a close-up, but because Tinsley Barnes is now looking at me in real life just like she does in my dreams.
Like I’m the most amazing boy she’s ever seen.
When the camera zooms closer to better capture the moment and Tinsley slips the delicate gold-and-sapphire (same color as her eyes) ring onto her finger—not just any finger but her wedding ring finger—I feel like I just might pass out.
“When’s the date?” my mom cries, clapping her hands as though it’s pretty much the best news in the world when your son, who’s still a day away from his thirteenth birthday, gets engaged to a girl the same age.
Tinsley laughs good-naturedly as she turns to my mom and says, “It’s a someday ring, right, Nick?”
I smile weakly, the best I can do. I mean, I like Tinsley, I do. I’ve liked her every single day for the last year and a half without fail. But that doesn’t mean I can promise to someday marry her. Heck, thanks to Ezer’s constant interference, I still haven’t even managed to kiss her.
And now he plants this ring on me?
What the heck is going on?
My parents and Holly act all excited, Dougall shoots me a thumbs-up that only seems sincere until you notice that his eyes tell a whole other story, Sir Dasher Dashaway dances in circles and barks like the well-trained purebred he is, and Tinsley grins so happily, admiring the way it glints on her finger, I feel like I’m the only one who’s not enjoying the spectacle.
Until I catch a glimpse of Plum shaking her head and giving me a look that tells it like it is: I am the most played person she’s ever seen.
But when my mom says, “Tinsley, did you check for an inscription?” she uses this giggly, girlish voice, like she’s Tinsley’s new BFF and not her potential, someday mother-in-law. “I always love when there’s a hidden message inside.”
Tinsley slips the ring off and reads, “?‘Someday I will make you mine. My love for you will never die.’?”
She brings her fingers to her lips, apparently so moved she can’t speak. But when her gaze meets my own, there’s definitely something she’s trying to hide.
She lowers her hand to her heart, and, feeding the camera her very best angle, she says, “They’re lyrics to the new song we’ve been working on, ‘Someday.’?”
“I’d love to hear it!” Holly says. “Why don’t you sing it for us?” She claps like she’d truly like nothing more as everyone else chimes in, in agreement.
“What do you think, Nick?” Tinsley asks as though she has no idea how I’ll react.
And really, how could she?
Seems everyone else got one script while I got another.
Still, I have to admit, the idea of using a someday ring to promote our new song, “Someday,” is pretty brilliant.
“Can’t think of anything better.” I flash a tight grin as Ezer hands Tinsley her guitar, and from the moment she starts singing, a genuine hush falls over the room.
There’s no denying who the real talent is here.
Her voice is strong and captivating, and there’s no doubt she has it—that indefinable thing that makes people want to watch her, listen to her, be near her.
As I watch Tinsley sing, it’s easy to forget about the ring and all the weirdness that followed.
It’s also easy to forget I’m not supposed to just sit here, I’m supposed to join in.
I pick up a little late, but since it’s a new song, Tinsley and Ezer are the only ones who notice. And by the time we’re well into the final refrain, all of the earlier tension is gone, leaving me feeling genuinely happy just to share this moment with her.
Which is why I’m caught completely off guard when she leans in to kiss me.
Like, kiss me kiss me.
Lips lingering.