Page 64 of Why Not Both?

I roll my eyes but list the things I’ve decided are essential. “He has to make me laugh. He has to be kind and like my dog and get along with Daze and Sophie and you guys. Someone who likes a lot of the same things as me. Someone who can keep me warm. Someone I can steal hoodies from and play games with, who’s tall and—” I stop myself from saying the rest because I know I’m just describing Spencer.

The way my family looks at me, they know it, too.

“Anyway. I’m done for now. I’m just going to focus on work and getting through wedding season and eventually I’ll get back out there.”

After dinner, I load Cerberus into the car with his farewell treat from Mom. The fifth one he’s received today. Daze drives us home. We’re about halfway there when my phone buzzes. A text from Spencer. My breath catches in my throat. I want to open it and read it immediately. But I also consider the fact that we’re supposed to just be friends, and this is not the kind of reaction one has when a friend texts them.

I unlock my phone and read it.

Spencer: You ready for tomorrow?

Me: Ugh. Yes.

Me: I was recently reminded that the last time I did the Grouse Grind, my legs were sore for a week. I swore I’d never do it again.

Spencer: You’ll be fine.

Me: I’m sure I will. But I may need a massage after.

Spencer: I’m certain that can be arranged.

Chapter 24

Spencer

It would be weird if I called. Friends don’t call each other in the middle of the night. Especially friends who have plans to see each other the next day. I check the time. It’s too late to call, anyway.

I pace my room. Her text about needing a massage after the hike has been causing fantasies to plague me all night. I haven’t seen her today and it feels like there’s a part of me missing. I want to call her. I want to hear her voice. Ask about her day.

I send a text.

Me: Are you awake?

The reply comes almost immediately.

Firecracker: Yes

Me: Do you want to chat?

The dots come up and disappear five times before the response comes through.

Firecracker: Sure

I don’t even realize I’m holding my breath until I release it, tapping the button to call her instead of text.

“Hi,” she says after half a ring.

“Hi,” I say. Shit. What do I say next? Why did I want to call? There should have been a reason, right?

“How was your day?” she asks.

Right. Conversation. I also wanted to ask about her day.

“It was good. I did pretty much nothing, so that was nice. Adalie and Vic were both busy so I was the only one at Derek’s. We played some video games and watched a movie.”

“What did you watch?”

Her voice is soft, like she’s trying not to be too loud. I wonder if she doesn’t want anyone to know we’re talking. Or maybe she just doesn’t want to wake people. It’s late. I should have just gone to bed. I’m going to see her tomorrow.

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