Page 26 of Where We Met

I couldn't deal with it if I told him I wasn't able to make this financial situation work. I know he would freak out and take a second job to provide for everyone, but he's sacrificed enough for me throughout my life.

"Hi, sweet pea," he says. "How's your final semester going?"

I smile at the nickname. He always called me sweet pea growing up. When I asked him where he got it from, he said it was because the flower means gratitude, and he's grateful for me every day.

"It's alright. Honestly, it's kind of dragging on. I just want it to be over."

He chuckles and gives me one of his favorite dad lines. "Don't try to race through life, honey. It can become a habit."

My father always has words of wisdom for random situations. It's annoying at times, but it’s weirdly helpful at others.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Hold the lecture. Good girl, Bailey," I praise her for her quick work of going potty, and then we both run back inside.

"So, how are Veronica and the kids?" I ask, wondering if it will ever not feel awkward knowing my father has an entire other life happening without me.

"They're great. Actually, I'm calling because Veronica was wondering if you were going to be home for spring break at all. She wants to have the house perfect. I told her she's being ridiculous and that you weren't going to walk around inspecting the dust on the mantel, but there's no talking sense into her,” he jokes.

I laugh at the thought of my dad trying to talk sense into a woman when it comes to cleaning for a guest. I'm only twenty-two, and even I already know that particular conversation is a losing battle.

"That's really sweet that she's so worried about it. I'll probably be home on April 3rd and stay for a few days, but there is a slight chance I won't be back at all…" I trail off, unsure if I should have said anything in the first place. The odds are slim that I'll be so lucky to win, but I should still warn my dad and Veronica in case the universe is on my side.

"Oh? You thinking of going somewhere with friends?" he asks.

Ha! It’s comical to think I am financially secure enough to jet off to a beach somewhere with my friends for a week… I wish!

"Actually… Icouldbe in Italy."

"Italy? Why in the world would you be in Italy?" he asks.

"It's for school. One of my professors owns a wine distribution company. Whoever gets the highest grade on one of our assignments gets to go with him to one of his meetings with a potential client in Italy. It’s all expenses paid, and it’d be a really beneficial hands-on experience for me."

Gosh, saying it out loud to someone as a real possibility and considering what it would entail has my entire body reacting with nervous energy. I would be spending a week in Italyalonewith Luke. Despite having just made an ass of myself in front of him, the idea of us on an Italian getaway makes my heart race.

"Wow, what an amazing opportunity. I bet you'll win. I'll have to tell Veronica to count you out for spring break."

"Come on, Dad. There's over a hundred students in my class. The chance of me winning is extremely low."

I pour myself a glass of wine and sit on my small loveseat, covering myself with a fuzzy cream blanket. When my phone starts to buzz against my ear, I steal a glance and see that I got a text message from Luke.

"Dad, I'm getting a call. I gotta go," I say eagerly.

"I know, I know. It's your senior year. You don't want to be stuck on the phone all night with your father. I'll talk to you soon. Love you."

"Love you too, Dad."

I hang up and immediately open up my text messages.

Luke: I'm sorry we got interrupted tonight—again. That seems to happen to us a lot. We still need to finish that tiebreaker.

I can't help but smile at the thought that he’s initiated contact this time, which I think—Ihope—means that he’s been thinking about me just as much as I’ve been thinking about him.

Me: I'm surprised you're willing to risk getting stomped on again. I'm feeling fast tonight.

Luke: Just meet me in the game, Princess.

That nickname… I thought maybe it was a one-time deal, but I love that he's still using it.

I open the game and find him waiting for me. It prompts us to click when we’re ready to start, and then we’re off. When I see the theme of the puzzle, I almost drop my phone. Kinky Word Search. What the hell is this? Are we in some adult game that I'm not aware of?

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