22. Makes me smile without trying
 
 23. Knows exactly what to say
 
 24. Makes family pandemonium seem... appealing?
 
 Delete that last one.
 
 But maybe keep it in mind.
 
 I fall back on my suite sofa, staring at the ceiling. Through the wall, I can hear a family getting ready for bed—quiet voices, gentle laughter, the kind of domestic peace I've always run from.
 
 Add to list:
 
 25. Lives in a world of bedtime stories and morning routines
 
 26. Makes me question everything I ever thought I wanted
 
 My phone buzzes again. Jonas:
 
 Also, Lukas wants you to know he's sorry about the laptop. He suggested we could fix it with his dinosaur band-aids
 
 And again.
 
 For the record, I told him electronics don't work that way, but he's very convinced about the healing power of T-Rex
 
 Add to list:
 
 27. His kids are actually kind of cute
 
 28. I might be in serious trouble
 
 The final text of the night:
 
 See you tomorrow. I'll bring laptop options and coffee strong enough to make up for getting up early on vacation. Unless you've changed your mind?
 
 The last thing I need is complications. The last thing I need is roots. The last thing I need is an attraction to someone who comes with two tiny humans and a whole lot of responsibility.
 
 I text back:
 
 I'll be there. But I'm not sharing my pancakes
 
 His response is immediate:
 
 Wouldn't dream of asking. But Jace's offer stands. She's very persistent. Gets that from her dad
 
 Add to list:
 
 29. Might be worth breaking a couple rules for
 
 Delete that one too.
 
 (But save it, just in case.)
 
 Some predicaments requirea full-scale communication plan. I start with my best friend, because Lucy has talked me through every crisis since college:
 
 SOS. Hot dad alert. Send help
 
 Define 'hot dad.' Like, soccer practice hot or actual hot?