Page 112 of First Comes Forever

Adam

As in the Ellen DeGeneres show?

Me

Yes.

Adam

Yeah… The only thing I’m keeping from that is the egg rolls.

I picture his crooked smile. The one I dream about often.

Me

Fair enough.

Adam

What are you doing?

Me

I’m with my girls as per usual.

Adam

That’s a good thing, right?

Me

Yes. Definitely. What are you up to tonight?

Adam

I’m actually at Elm tonight. Jess is stopping by shortly.

Oh.Shit.

Jess… As in Elm’s community manager, who was clearly crushing on Adam before we got together.

Okay, that hurts.

Adam and I talk about once a week, but technically we’re not together. He’s free to date whom he pleases. Maybe he’s trying to move on. Over the past month and a half, I’ve dropped a few hints about him visiting at least. Not even a nibble. Sometimes I wonder if our bond was more about a baby than anything else.

Me

Have fun! *big grin emoji*

I flip my phone back over and blow out a breath. Noa’s watching me from across the room. She raises her eyebrows, her wordless question clear as day. “I’m fine,” I mouth back. As soon as I do, my phone rings and Adam’s name flashes across the screen. I step into the hallway, out of earshot of my friends, before I answer.

“Hey,” I answer, feigning my enthusiasm.

“I’m selling the condo.”

“What?”

I hear him opening and closing cabinets in the background. “I’ve known you for almost a year, Amani. You only use that emoji when you’re laying it on thick. Jess is interested in buying the condo, so she’s coming by for a walk-through. I know what you’re thinking, and I’m not dating anyone.”

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