God, I was nervous.

Looking around, it felt like the whole town showed up. Scout squeezed my hand and flashed me a reassuring smile.

"You ready?"

I took a deep breath and nodded. A boyish grin appeared on his face, before he dragged me further into the crowded street.

See, it was the Founder's Day Festival in our beloved town of Mount Valley. That meant that school was out, shops were closed, and everyone was at the heart of town.

Basically, it was one big fucking potluck.

Back then, the crew and I would drop by for lunch then find some place to chill and get drunk before we crashed mailboxes. Good times.

But today, I wasn't here for any of that. Well, maybe just lunch.

The thing was, Scout and I were on our way to The Hamptons to meet our friends for spring break – courtesy of the Sullivan family's summer house (thanks, Mads). Brody's family got a house there as well, so he and Jamaica were going to shack up together. They managed to sort things out around the time Scout and I did.

I was sure as fucking hell Jamaica would finally lose her virginity by the end of spring break – if she hadn't already.

Before heading there, Scout had this awesome (according to him) idea to stop by in town to say hi to everyone – as a couple. I didn't want to.

I mean, why do they care if we're dating? It's not like I'm dating them.

But Scout made a point that his mom still didn't know about us. He wanted to introduce me to her properly. And I couldn't say no to that.

"We're not going to greet everybody, are we?" I asked him, reminded of all the times I saw him waving at whoever smiled at him. "Because we always joked about you acting like a mayor who's running a campaign whenever you're out in town."

He laughed and raised an eyebrow at me. "What?"

"Don't prove us right."

"'Us' as in..."

"Oz... and me." Mostly.

He had a lopsided grin, as understanding crossed his features. "Oh, now I get it. So that's what you guys were always snickering about."

"Among other things," I murmured, shrugging innocently.

I didn't want to tell him that we also made fun of the way people watched him walk away, like he was their favorite celebrity child or something and he was about to do great things. He already hated how they treated him special to his face.

"I'll take you straight to my mom," Scout promised.

"You better," I muttered.

"We were supposed to do this months ago. Don't get cold feet now, Anderson."

I snorted as I let him drag me, with his hand firmly holding mine. His touch was the only thing that calmed my crazy beating heart. Soon, his mom would know about us. The idea freaked me out. I hoped she would still like me.

The town closed down its oldest street and transformed it into this community gathering, with tons of food booths provided by the middle-aged and elderly residents while the games were manned by teenagers.

Everybody seemed to be having fun. I mean, that was the point.

It didn't take long before people started to take notice of Scout. Of course, they couldn't help but stop and say hi to him. And right after they did, their curious gazes traveled to me then to our hands. I thought I even heard a gasp.

Yeah, I'm dating your precious Golden Boy. You can all suck it.

Being at Rutgers where nobody knew much about my family and my past, I'd almost forgotten how people at home thought of me as someone who belonged with the bad crowd, someone who almost always got in trouble.

I couldn't blame them, though. I did get into a lot of trouble. Some would say it was because my friends were bad influences. But the thing was, they never forced me to do anything. I did it all on my own.

So I kind of get their initial shock, seeing the likes of me with their baby Scout who must be protected at all costs. But whatever, they'd get over it.

If Scout noticed the way their eyes seemed to pop out of their sockets, he didn't let on. He just continued to politely smile at them and walk away.

"How do you like your coffee, Mister Mayor?" I whispered to him.

"Strong, like my girlfriend," he replied easily, winking at me.

I smirked. "You're barely able to handle her, though."

He threw his head back and laughed. Then, he stopped and faced me.

"Wanna test that theory?"

Ah, I liked a challenged Scout. "I dare you."

Something flashed in his eyes, like it always did when he was about to lock the door to his dorm room and own me until I was screaming his name. A sexy grin made its way to his lips, and he opened his mouth to say something but then someone spoke before he did.

"Scout, honey?"

A middle-aged woman with red hair that framed her beautiful face walked over to us, looking like she couldn't believe Scout was here.

His eyes widened, turning around to face her. "Mom."

She let out a happy scream and practically bounced. "My baby!"

She spread out her arms and waited, as he walked over to her and hugged her with one arm (because the other was still holding my hand). She squeezed him tight.

He chuckled. "Nice to see you, too."

"Oh, but I thought you were going to The Hamptons with your friends?" she said, her eyes were closed as she patted his back.

"We decided to drop by for a bit since it's on our way, anyway."

"Hmm? 'We?'" she asked in confusion, opening her eyes and finally seeing me. She blinked in surprise. "Connie!"

"Hi, Mrs. Crimson," I greeted, raising an awkward hand for a small wave.

She immediately pulled back and stared at her son in disbelief... then to me... then to our intertwined hands. Oh, God.

Scout smiled at me, before turning back to his mother. "I'd like you to meet my girlfriend, though I'm sure you already know her."

Mrs. Crimson placed a hand on her chest, looking like she was about to cry. But all in all, she looked pretty happy. I guessed that was a good sign.

"Aw, come here," she said, motioning for me to come closer. When I did, she put her arms around me and Scout. "I'm glad you finally told me."

Uh, what?

Scout and I exchanged questioning looks and pulled back to look at her. She was smiling giddily at us, like she was a kid on Christmas morning.

"What do you mean?" asked Scout.

She raised an eyebrow at her son. "Do you think your grandmother can keep it a secret that you visited them last year with a girl?" She barked a laugh. "She called me as soon as you kids left."

Oh.

Scout groaned. "Grandma."

When I glanced at Mrs. Crimson, she was smiling at me. "This means you get to eat more of my baked goods."

I let out a small laugh, and nodded. "Looking forward to it, Mrs. Crimson."

"Is it too soon to call me 'mom?'" she said thoughtfully.

"Um..."

Scout shook his head in amusement but didn't argue. Interesting.

"Alright, baby steps. Let's save it for the future, then. Just call me 'Julie.'"

I could do that. "Okay... Julie."

"There you go." She nodded in approval. "Now, have you kids eaten yet? I can get you some food before you continue your trip. What do you feel li—"

"Sorry to interrupt."

I stepped back in surprise at the person who just appeared on our side like he was there all along, waiting for the right time to chide in.

"Dad!"

He was wearing his usual gray plaid shirt with a faded blue cap on his head. He looked like he didn't want to interrupt us but felt like he had to.

"I didn't expect to see you here, kid."

"Uh..." I dragged the word out, as I thought of some sort of explanation. I didn't expect to run into him either. I was too worried about Mrs. Crimson – I mean, Julie – that I forgot Dad might be here. "Surprise?"

Thankfully, Scout stepped in.

"Good to see you again, sir," he said, stepping forward and reaching out his hand for a handshake.

Dad accepted his hand, nodding. "Likewise."

"I was just telling the kids that we should get something to eat. Would you care to join us?" Julie added, looking expectantly at my dad.

Dad only stared at me, like he was waiting for me to say something. Why did it feel like he was leaving the decision to me? Wait... was he?

I felt something squeeze my hand and I glanced at Scout. He smiled, nodding to me encouragingly. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I faced my father again.

"I'd love for you to join us."

He pressed his lips together, which was his version of smiling at me. Something tugged my heart, but I kept my face composed.

"Great timing, I'm starving."

"Perfect!" Julie beamed, clapping her hands together. "I hear Mrs. Buckley and her granddaughters prepared some yummy pot roast for everyone." She waved for us to follow her. "Let's go before it runs out."

She went ahead, her energy reminding me of Halo's – light and warm. Maybe that was why Scout was attracted to her at some point in time. She reminded him of his mother.

"I take it y'all are together now?" Dad asked, looking pointedly at our hands as we all followed after Julie.

"Yes, sir," Scout answered for us both.

"Alfie took it well?"

I fought the urge to roll my eyes at how my dad was suddenly interested in my love life, despite being a bystander these past years.

I sighed. At least, he was trying.

Wait, he was suddenly trying.

"He got over it," I replied, but I was watching him closely now.

"Good, that's good," he grumbled, looking lost for words. He seemed awkward as hell, but he wasn't running away. "I'm happy for you, kid."

Surprised, all I managed to say was, "Thanks."

He turned to Scout and patted his shoulder, before clearing his throat. "I guess I should expect to see more of you from now on, boy?"

My boyfriend nodded. "Yes, sir. If that's okay with you."

"Long as you treat my girl well."

Holy fuck, what was he doing?

I felt heat rush to my cheeks, as Scout assured him he would treat me like I was the queen or some cheesy shit. I didn't listen much after that. I was too embarrassed, or maybe shocked, or probably both.

"So, uh, yeah." Dad glanced at me and gave another nod. "Let's get some food."

With that, he walked ahead and caught up with Scout's mom. I was too dazed to do or say anything. Did Drew talk to him?

But no way, I'd never tell Drew what the real deal was between me and Dad. He knew there was a strain but he never knew how big it was. I didn't want him to worry more than he already did. I only ever told Scout and Alfie.

Oh, my God.

It was Alfie.

"You okay?" asked Scout.

I managed to give him a smile. "Yeah."

He could tell something was bothering me, but he didn't press on.

While I couldn't be happier right now with Scout, my heart also ached for my best friend who looked out for me all these years – even behind my back, even when he felt like I didn't need him anymore.

I was safely out of the water, but he was still drowning.

I once thought we could save each other from sinking, but it wasn't long before I realized we couldn't be that person for each other.

I found my lighthouse through Scout. Alfie was still shrouded in the darkness. I wished on all that was holy that he would find his light soon.

"Ah, man." Scout grinned, casually putting an arm around me. "I can finally take you out on dates and show you off around town."

I raised an eyebrow. "I'm a trophy girlfriend now?"

"Nah, you're too smart for that," he countered, before leaning down and kissing me.

Damn right I am.

"You're the perfect trophy boyfriend, though. After all, you are the Golden Boy."

"You know," he started, shaking his head in amusement, "you're the only one who gets away with saying that." After the last word, he pinched my side and began tickling me, making me laugh.

"Admit it, you love it when I do," I said, running away from him before he could tickle me some more.

"Only when it's you."

Scout looked at me like I was his world, not bothering to hide how much he was in love with me – despite my flaws, my insecurities, and my shortcomings.

He was the one who pulled me out of the water. He was the one who guided me out of the dark. He was the calm in the midst of all the chaos, the warm blanket in a stormy night, and the home that made me feel safe.

He was my lighthouse.

He was my everything.

God, I was so in love with him.

He made me want things I never would've wanted if he hadn't influenced me. He made me see beauty in the simpler things in life. He made me realize that maybe sometimes, good wasn't overrated.

I couldn't wait for the day when we're both in the kitchen, both old and wrinkly, cooking together and having the time of our lives.

It might be too plain. It might be too simple. It might even be too safe.

But with Scout by my side, it was more than enough for me.

Looking at Scout, with his clean cut red hair, bright green eyes, freckles all over his cheeks, and a happy grin that lit up his handsome face...

I had a lot of things to be thankful for.

I was thankful that I went with Madeline to crash that Aces frat party on our first night. I was thankful that I rushed Kappa Pi Kappa and met my squad. I was thankful that I pointed to Scout when Honor asked me to choose.

And I chose well.

Those decisions led me here to where I was right now, smiling at the redheaded Golden Boy who became the center of my world.

Finally, I found where I belonged.

_____________

THE END

Yooooo, I got teary eyed. It's finally over. It's here. Another book done. WOW. This took me way longer to write than I originally anticipated. But we made it! Connie finally got her happy ending! Woohoo!

Some people don't like this book because it doesn't deal with much stuff and the plot is lighter than Cruel Me. But I just didn't feel the need to make her life too problematic. Connie's main problem is finding herself and accepting love (which she did, obvs). Oz's main thing was finding peace and learning to let go (of his grudges and first love). Alfie's will be facing his problems and growing up (for real).

So see, the conflicts in each book in this series depends on what the main character needs to face and the lessons they must learn.

To be honest, you'll be thankful because Connie's book feels like a light break before we start Alfie's book – which is just as heavy as Oz's, maybe even heavier.

Also, I HAD SO MUCH FUN writing about this bad girl and good guy trope! I hope you had fun reading it, too!

ANYWAY, THANK YOU FOR READING CONNIE'S BOOK AND GOING ALONG THIS RIDE WITH HER. Thank YOU because even though you didn't like some of her decisions, you still pushed through and finished the book. Thank YOU because even though you started this book shipping her with Alfie, you ended this being Team Scout all the way (or maybe not haha). Thank YOU for being patient and waiting for me to finish this even though it took me 2 years. Thank YOU for commenting and tweeting, letting me know how much this book affected you. IT MEANS A LOT. Thank YOU for being part of Connie's journey with me. :)

And now... onto Alfie's book, Tainted Me!

LOVE Y'ALL! STAY SAFE!