Page 73 of Strangely Normal

He leaned forward. “Come back, Eden. Finley’s been asking for you. She really tore me a new one when she found out why you left.”

“So, this is just a ploy to save your own ass.”

He jumped off the stool and took hold of my arm. “No, this is a ploy to save my heart.”

I stared down at his fingers wrapped around my arm. His face was near mine, but I was not going to give in. I was not going to look up at him because if I did, anything could happen. His phone rang and he released me to answer it.

“Hey. Yeah. Hold on.” He stretched out his arm to hand me the phone. “It’s Finley.”

I had no idea the impact just hearing she was on the other end of the line would have on me. I stared at the phone slightly stunned and then reached over and picked it up.

“Hey,” I pushed the syllable out of my throat.

“Eden?”

“Yep, it’s me.” This time the words came out through sobs.

“Do you hate me?” she asked and her words broke too.

“Never.”

“Is my brother, the ass, standing there listening in?” she asked.

“Yes, yes he is.” I wiped my eyes.

“I told you he was an ass.”

“You did warn me.”

“But he really cares for you, Eden. Frankly, I can’t stand to see him mope around here like Mr. Poopy Pants.”

A laugh spurted from my mouth.

“Is she calling me Mr. Poopy Pants again?” Jude reached for the phone, but I waved his arm away.

“Eden, I want you to come back. I think it will really help me. I confess, the medicine is already helping me feel better. It makes me feel kind of numb but a good numb. Like I could let some things go and not go ballistic about them.”

“That’s great, Finley.”

“So will you?”

I paused and looked at Jude. Everything about him still stole my breath, but I wasn’t sure if I could handle all of it again. “I’ll think about, Finley.”

“I’ve only got one more thing to say then. Come back, come back, come back.”

“Actually, that’s three things.”

“No, it’s me remember. Three times is once in my world, otherwise I would have repeatedcome backnine times, which I could still do if it would help convince you.”

I smiled. “You sound good, Finley. Like your old, quirky self.”

“Thanks . . . I think. Promise me you’ll think about it.”

“I will.”

She hung up. I handed Jude the phone and raised my brow at him. “You play dirty.”

“Yep, I guess I sort of do.” He looked toward the small staircase that led up to my room. “Are you staying here by yourself?”

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