The Second Choice: The Selection Series

Will You Join Me?

The girls have been here for nearly a week, which means there are only two weeks left.
Today is their first day at a public event since the selection started again. We're having an outdoor event in the garden with diplomats and really anyone my father deems worthy of joining us.
The madness will start in two hours, but before then I want some alone time with America.
I knock on her door, a bouquet of tulips and roses in my hands.
She opens the door and smiles at me, then the flowers. "What's this?"
"This is me asking you on a date."
"A date?" she repeats intrigued.
"Yes. Will you join me for some wine on the roof?"
"Some wine on the roof. That sounds dangerous."
"Don't worry. I'll catch you if you stumble."
"Oh I won't be drinking that much, trust me on that."
She comes out and closes the door. "I'll have to be back to get ready soon."
"That's alright. I'll take as much time I can get with you as I can."
She smiles happily and holds onto my arm.
"Lead the way," she says.
I escort her to the roof  where a picnic on blankets and pillows awaits us. The cheese tray with fruit, crackers, and sliced trail meat are laying on the blankets with a bottle of wine and two pristine glasses.
"Wow. This looks nice," she comments while looking around.
I smile at her and help her sit.
I hand her a glass and pour the white wine.
"Thank you," she appreciates.
"You're very welcome."
"This is all so nice Maxon. Thank you for doing this."
"It's nothing compared to what I have planned."
"Oh gosh. Someone help me now."
"Hey!"
She laughs and I can't help but smile at that laugh.
We both snack on the food while looking out over the city.
"I can't believe I've been back for a week," she says.
I look at her. "I'm glad you're back. I've missed spending time with you. I never realized how much I needed you until you were gone."
She looks at me for a moment.
"I'm not going to lie, I wanted to stay mad at you," she admits. "You hurt me really bad and I didn't want to just let it go. But I'm learning you really can't hold onto things in the past."
I look at her hopefully.
"That doesn't mean I'm ready to say yes," she stops me. "But I'm happy to be back. I'm happy to be trying again."
I smile a bit. "I can wait."
She nods and looks back to our view.
I look down at her hand, not realizing how closely we were sitting together, and puts my hand over hers.
She looks at our hands then to me.
I stare into her eyes then to her lips.
Heart racing, I lean in for a kiss.
Last minute she moves her hand and gets up.
"I need to get ready," she says, brushing off her dress and not looking at me.
"America, I didn't mean to-"
"Don't Maxon. Just..."
She shakes her head and leaves.
I sigh heavily and run my hand through my hair.
I thought she was ready. I thought it's what she wanted. Maybe I was wrong.
I start cleaning up and realize she forgot her flowers.
A maid comes up. "Excuse me sir."
I look over. "Yes?"
"If you would like I can clean this up while you get ready. The event will begin soon."
"Yes, please."
I pick up the flowers and get up.
She starts cleaning everything up and I go back to my room.
I quickly dress in a dark blue dress shirt and tan khakis with my dark brown, leather dress shoes.
I run my comb through my hair and check myself in the mirror.
Once I feel ready I grab the flowers and head to America's room.