Page 23 of Truly, Madly, Deeply

Colin frowned. “I’m sorry, Truly.”

She laughed. “Whatever. I’m not even that upset about it.”

Not as upset as she probably should’ve been, at any rate.

It was all more than she’d planned to say, but when he wasn’t driving her up the wall, Colin was easy to talk to. Something about those Bambi-eyes loosened her tongue, made her want to spill her guts. Throw her well-whetted sense of self-preservation right out the window.

“Still. That’s a shitty way to find out the truth. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.”

“Not even an enemy?” Truly teased.

Colin smiled warmly. “You’re not my enemy, Truly.”

No, she supposed they weren’t. She wasn’t in the habit of wanting to study her enemies’ eyelashes, so.

“I didn’t exactly memorize the email you sent, but I believe you said something about convincing me to give the podcast another shot. So, go on.” She cocked a brow. “Convince me.”

Chapter Six

Truly arrived at the studio before Colin.

“Come in, make yourself at home.” Caitlin all but shoved her down onto the couch, the very same couch where she’d lost her cool three weeks prior. “Can I get you something? Maybe that martini this time? Don’t tell my brother, but I’ve got it all—gin, vodka, olives, twists. Name it.”

Truly laughed. “I’m good, thanks.”

As tempting as it was to take Caitlin up on her offer, she wanted to keep her head about her more than ever.

Caitlin took a seat kitty-corner to her on the chaise side of the sectional. “You have no clue how surprised I was when my brother told me he’d convinced you to give me another chance.”

Probably as surprised as Truly was when she’d agreed. “It wasn’t you who needed the second chance. But your brother and I talked it out. It’s... water under the bridge.”

“Thank God.” Caitlin beamed. “I was trying to play it cool last time, didn’t want to gush, you know? But you’re seriously my favorite author. Like, you renewed my hope in love.”

Caitlin was what? Twenty-two? What exactly was there to renew?

“I mean it. You’re my icon.”

Icon? Truly snorted. “That’s way too generous of you.”

“Hardly. You’re amazing. And my brother—”

The studio door opened, and Colin shouldered his way inside, eyes immediately landing on Truly. A smile lit up his face and wow, the Chipotle she’d had for lunch was not agreeing with her. That was why her stomach somersaulted. Bad beans or expired sour cream... too much fiber. “Hey.”

“Speak of the devil,” Caitlin said. “You’re late.”

“By what? A minute? Kiss my ass. I brought you coffee.”

“Did you even get my order right?”

Colin sighed, aggrieved, broad shoulders rising and falling, and her stomach flipped all over again. Bad beans for sure. “Iced venti sugar cookie latte with three pumps hazelnut syrup and sugar cookie cold foam.”

“Sprinkles?” Caitlin asked, reserving judgment.

“You and your fucking sprinkles.” He huffed. “It’s May, Caitlin, and while it might be Christmas year-round for you, it’s not at the coffee shop.”

Caitlin’s bottom lip jutted out. “Whatever.”

“So, I had to stop at the grocery store on the way over here to buy you your goddamn red and green sprinkles.” Colin thrust the drink at Caitlin. “You’re welcome.”

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