I laugh as Max jokes about my mustache, referring to it as the caterpillar above my upper lip.

“Hey, it makes me feel like a detective.” I shrug, grinning at the laughter that follows from the group.

I glance down at you tucked into my side, my arm that’s swung over your shoulders holding you there comfortably. We exchange small smiles as everyone around us laughs about various things, and I give you a light squeeze before dropping a kiss to your temple.

We’ve been hanging out for about a month now, going on dates here and there, walking around different cities together and just talking. You’re an actress, and your latest movie just came out a few days ago, so you’ve been busy doing a press tour.

If we want to be super detailed, we’ve actually been friends for several years, and I’m also good friends with your parents (who are also very famous singers). I don’t know what happened, but when we got back in touch a few weeks ago, it just felt…different between us. A good different, though.

I never viewed you in a romantic light before, and you said the same, but we both recognized the new connection we felt with each other and decided to give it a shot.

I mean, I’m not getting any younger.

I’ve been to four weddings in less than two years. Two of my ex girlfriends got engaged this year alone. My sister has been with the same guy for ten years, and they had a kid last year.

I’ve never been one to panic about settling down, and I still wouldn’t say that I’m panicking. But, you know, watching everyone around you find their soulmate and start families?

It makes you realize some stuff about yourself.

Obviously, I’m not saying I’m about to run off and elope with the next girl I date. That’s not what I’m saying. But during a time when I’m just feeling a little stressed out about that sort of thing, it’s nice to be with someone who understands.

Granted, you just had your engagement called off a little less than a year ago, so I’m sure you definitely understand how I’m feeling. Probably even more.

I exhale as we walk down the sidewalk of New York City, looking around at the other people going about their lives. I’m not in the states as much these days, since I’m not touring, but I do enjoy coming here every once in a while.

“Getting kind of late,” I say quietly to you. “Just let me know whenever you’re ready to leave, okay?”