Page 77 of Crashing into Love

“It was over her chair. And she knew I was pulling her through the restaurant.”

“And did she let it go immediately once you hit the sidewalk?”

“No.”

“You should talk to her, Drew. Isn’t it better to know now before you get in too deep? Maybe she isn’t interested in more, but she’s a touchy person or something. At least, you’d know that, and you could move on.”

“You’re dating someone?”

Andy nodded and said, “Her name is Daisy, if you can believe it. She’s the sweetest human on the planet, and we’ve been together for three months. I am very much in love, and I miss her right now, but she owns–” Andy stopped herself.

“Owns what?”

“You’re going to laugh.”

“I am?”

“Yes. So, don’t.”

“I’ll do my best?” Drew asked more than said.

“She owns a flower shop.”

Drew did her best to hold in her laugh that was doing everything it could to escape.

“Yes, I know,” Andy added, clearly seeing her struggling to keep a smile down. “She jokes that it was predestined. Anyway… She only has one part-time employee, so getting away isn’t easy for her, but she’s already working on closing the shop for a couple of weeks for the Olympics, which means she sees us still being together by then. And I can, too, so I’m happy and in love and moving on to the final, where I plan on kicking your ass. So, get ready, Oakes.”

Drew did laugh at that.

“Now, get back to your girl,” Andy told her and patted her on the shoulder. “And talk to her. I mean it, Drew. Just find out now so you’re not miserable for longer.”

“And what if she isn’t into it? What do I do then? I haven’t felt this way about anyone since you, and–”

“And you were about to say that you haven’t felt this way about anyone at all, but you didn’t want to hurt my feelings. Am I right?”

“Andy, I–”

“It’s okay. Drew, I loved you, but I’ve never felt this way about anyone, either. Daisy is different. I can admit that. And you should be able to admit that as well if it’s Selma for you. She seems nice, Drew. I don’t know her all that well, but she seems nice.”

“She’s very nice. She’s the best, and I am crazy about her, Andy.” She ran her glove-covered hands over her face quickly.

“Then, tell her. Or, at least, ask her out. Start there. If she says she’s not into it, then you know, and you’ll figure it out. Call me. We can go out for a drink, and you can wallow or cry on my shoulder. I mean it, Drew. I miss having you around. I miss having you as my friend. We were always good at that part.”

“I know. I miss it, too.”

“Good. Maybe we can hang out when we get back.”

“Can I meet Daisy?”

“Yes, but only if you ask Selma out first.” Andy winked at her and added, “I’m kidding. But you should still do it.”

Drew rolled her eyes, and they said their temporary goodbyes. They’d be racing in the final later that afternoon, and Drew needed to run through her pre-final rituals. She returned to Selma to tell her that everything was okay and to let her know that she needed to get moving to get ready. Selma understood and leaned in.

“I’ll be here when you come down in first place,” she said softly and kissed Drew on the cheek.

Drew’s whole body went hot, despite her being in the freezing cold. She cleared her throat and looked around at anything other than Selma as if that would hide her intense blush.

“I hope I don’t disappoint you, then,” she replied. “See you soon.”

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