Chapter 32
Aaron watched the laughter light up Allie’s face. He loved how happy and
content she looked. It didn’t matter that she had just won a gold medal, along
with the team silver. It didn’t matter that she had just beaten Svetlana, her
nemesis. It didn’t even really matter that she lost the man of her dreams one
day and then had found him again. All that mattered to her was the moment. And
at this very moment, Allie was having fun.
She looked like an angel. She didn’t have on any make-up and
have washed off all that she had worn earlier. Her brown hair was pulled back in
a simple ponytail. Her tanned skin looked darker in the lower lights, setting
off her hazel eyes even more and making them sparkle.
Allie wore a plain blue gingham halter top. It tied around
her neck and in the back. Aaron loved the way the fabric folded around her body,
hugging it tightly as the top met in the back.
A matching ribbon was tied around her ponytail, making it
look like the curls just flowed out from the blue ribbon.
A brown leather belt peeked out from underneath her top at
various points. A flower was cut out of it, in a pattern around the belt. Tan
cording laced in and out along the top and bottom of the belt.
That belt held up a pair of tight fitting khaki capris. They
seemed to hug even tighter than could be possible when Allie propped a foot on
the nearby chair. But, Aaron loved it when she did.
But then again, he loved everything about her. She was
amazing and she kept saying the thing about him. She kept saying he was amazing.
He, however, didn’t quite see where she was getting that idea from.
“You do know you could have invited Scott or Lenny or Lochte
or Gary or someone, since Brendan is out on the floor with someone.” He heard
Allie say as he watched her sit down next to him. She placed her light blue flip
flop clad feet in his lap and smiled at him.
“Michael wouldn’t stay late because of events be has. Ian’s
trying to feel better.” Aaron said.
“Poor Ian. I think he got hit too many times upside his head
at the Opening Ceremonies.” Allie said, watching her birthday party.
It was her 21st birthday party and she was more content
making sure everyone else was happy. Some of the gymnasts were there, some of
the girls from the softball team that Allie knew, some of the swimmers. Her
parents had been there but had left shortly after the amazing cake. Michael had
left shortly after that, claiming he needed some sleep for his next events. Ian
was invited but wasn’t feeling good enough to hang out yet. Brendan, on the
other hand, was having enough fun for everyone else who wasn’t there.
“I didn’t get you much for your birthday.” Aaron said, as
Allie smiled a little.
“You didn’t have to get me anything.” Allie said, as Aaron
picked up a small bag up from by his chair.
“It was just something small.” Aaron said, handing her the
bag.
Allie smiled as she opened the bag and pulled out the shell
necklace. It had small square shells covering the necklace. The colors were a
mixture of white, tan, and cream.
“This is perfect. It’s a perfect gift from a guy who loves
surfing.” Allie said, putting the necklace on.
“I remember you mentioning that you liked it while we were in
Spain.” Aaron replied. “I thought it would be a great way for you to remember me
after the Olympics.” He added.
“About that.” Allie started. “I graduated early from Boston
by doing classes over the summer and online and such. So, I was actually
looking, recently, about moving to Texas. Jules had actually been looking at
places to move to after she and Nate get married. Nate was the one who started
it all by mentioning Texas.”
“So you might be moving to Texas?” Aaron asked.
“Austin, specifically.” Allie replied. “But only if it’s okay
with you.”
Aaron smiled. “Why are your birthday wish and presents more
for me?” Aaron asked.
“Because I really like you.” Allie said.
“That’s great, because I really like you.” Aaron replied,
kissing her.