Page 241 of Texting Dr. Stalker

Zander sat back, a dazed, almost hurt look on his face. “Why?”

“Because she knew you better than you knew yourself and probably figured you wouldn’t do what she asked.”

“What did she ask?”

“Doesn’t matter.” Christina laughed slyly. “You’ll know when you get there. But…you have to take a trip. You and Sailor.”

“A trip?” I asked when Zander didn’t say anything. “A trip where?”

“All I can tell you is it’s in Costa Rica.”

Zander and I made eye contact.

Growing up—when both sets of our grandparents were alive—they’d often go as a happy foursome on holiday to Costa Rica. It’d become a bit of a tradition. Every year, they packed their bags for a few weeks of double-dating vacation before returning browned, happy, and ready to work again. They’d promised to take us with them, but then Zander’s grandfather passed away, and they’d stopped going.

“Your flight leaves tonight. You have four hours before take-off, so I suggest you start packing and get to the airport.”

“What the hell?” Zander raked a hand through his hair. “You can’t just spring this on us. What about Peng? We haven’t got—”

“Lily has already agreed to move into Sailor’s for three weeks and cat sit him. You know her boyfriend Aubrey is helping with the renovation for you. It’s a perfect opportunity for him to assess the pros and cons of each house so he can figure out how to link them for you. Because we both know stuffy architects can get it wrong, and you want to get it right.”

“Why do I feel like we don’t have a choice in this matter?” Zander huffed.

“That’s because you don’t. You’re getting on that plane and you’re going to the address that the transportation service has when they pick you up. Just…go with it, Zan. For once in your life, lean on someone other than yourself. Trust us, alright?”

Zander slouched, all while my phone started ringing with Lily’s name.

“I’ll just take this.” Scooting away from the table, I accepted the call and left Z to talk to his sister. “Lils, what the hell is going on?”

“I’m already in your kitchen. I can’t find your pesky cat, though. Has he escaped again?”

I glanced at Peng happily sprawled on the back door mat licking his paws. “He’s here. With us. At Zander’s.”

“Oh phew. I thought I’d already failed at this cat-sitting business.”

“Why are you all ganging up on us and shooing us away overseas?”

She giggled. “Just you wait.”

“So you know?”

“Oh yes, I know. I had a rather wonderful time over at Colin’s a few days after your wedding. If I wasn’t falling for Aubrey and Christina wasn’t giving off possessive vibes, I might’ve been tempted. He’s freaking hilarious, but…he’s also kind and cares a lot about Zander so…just go with the flow, Sailor Moon, and get on that damn plane.”

* * * * *

“This is crazy, right?” I asked for the millionth time.

I’d asked it as we’d packed and shed a few tears as I passed my wonderful cat into my best friend’s arms.

I’d asked it as we climbed out of the Uber at the airport.

I’d asked it as we took off and flew across the ocean and landed in hot and steamy Costa Rica.

And I asked it again as Zander took my hand and led me into the arrivals hall, scanning the mismatch of drivers, family members, and hotel clerks holding up plaques with people’s names on.

Spying a guy withNorthscribbled on a board, he dragged me over to him. “It’s nuts, and I’m legitimately worried about what they’re all up to, but…we’re here now, so I guess we’re doing this.”

I didn’t ask again as the driver shook our hands, helped with our hastily packed luggage, and guided us outside to an awaiting white sedan.

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