Page 88 of Against The Rules

Mm-hmm.

I pull my phone out, and sure enough, it’s Ty.

Hey Peaches, I just got delivery confirmation for a little something I had sent your way

You need a nice place to work that isn’t going to mess up your body, and you need technology that can keep up with what you’re doing. Don’t think I wasn’t listening when you said your computer was struggling the other day

I type out about a billion replies, but I can’t think of anything adequate to express how much this means to me.

I see you typing

It’s too much

Nah, you’ll get me back, Peaches

I tell you what. You said you were going to help me with the BBQ competition. I’m trying some new recipes. You come over tonight and help me out with taste-testing. You would be doing me a huge favor.

I sniffle, wiping my cheek. I’ve been crying a lot lately.

That sounds really nice. I’ll be there

Can’t wait. Come over whenever you’re done for the day, practice just got out and I should be home soon

It’s a date

I gotta say, I love dating my wife

I’m grinning like a fool at my phone when the front door opens.

I swing around, and Presley’s standing there, looking tired.

“Hey, Pres,” I say slowly, and she nods. “Rough day?”

I’ve barely seen her since last Friday, and it feels like I’m dancing around the weirdness between us again, but I’m a professional dancer, and I’ll tiptoe with the best of them.

“You could say that,” she says, then nods at the packaging all over the table. “What’s that?”

“Some stuff for my new business,” I say carefully, then pack it all back up, taking it to my room and closing the door.

Guilt shivers through me. I hate being cagey with her. I don’t like how things are between us right now, and I don’t know how to fix it. I want my friend back… but maybe we’re just outgrowing each other.

It’s going to make for a weird last few months of our lease.

My cheeks puff as I blow out a breath, and then I gingerly place all my new computer stuff on the floor.

I planned to organize my new desk, get it all set up and pretty, but suddenly… I don’t want to. Setting up the new laptop and iPad feels like too much work.

I want to see Tyler.

So I tuck the box under my bed and throw on some fresh clothes.

Coming

The response from Tyler pings in immediately.

I hope you mean you’re on your way, because if you’re coming without me, I’m going to be upset

A surprised laugh rockets out of me and I type back my response.

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