Page 21 of Crazy Imperfect Hearts

The shirt she’s holding becomes a crumpled mess when her hands fall into her lap. “I’m not sure you’re grasping the idea of a one-night stand. They aren’t planned, Lucas. If you make plans, that’s called a date. And as an intelligent woman, and one who knows your history, believe me, I know better than to date you.”

“As well you should. So if they aren’t planned, what do you suggest?”

She shakes her head as if she’s having to explain wet to water. “Hookups are spontaneous. You run into each other accidentally or randomly. They just happen.”

I think on it. “So if I were to run into you accidentally on Saturday, where might that happen?”

“Oh, I have big plans on Saturday. Movie marathon.”

“At the multiplex?” I ask, already making plans on how torandomlybump into her.

She looks up at the ceiling. “With Joey.”

For a second, a wave of something that feels an awful lot like jealousy courses through me. “Who the hell is Joey?”

“Wow, you really don’t remember much. Joey—my cat.”

It starts coming back to me. “Ah, right. The furball that hates me.”

She giggles. “That’s the one.”

My ass is starting to get numb sitting on the hard floor. “How am I supposed to accidentally run into you if you’re in your apartment?”

She shrugs, then sighs, like maybe I’m more of an annoyance than an opportunity. “I suppose I could do my Sunday grocery shopping on Saturday after I close up around here.”

“Truman’s?” I ask, thinking it’s only obvious she shops at the small store down the street.

“If I told you, it wouldn’t exactly be accidental, now would it?”

I cock my head, wondering if she’s playing with me, or she genuinely doesn’t give two shits if she watches TV with her cat or gets to knock boots with me.

I stand and hand her the pants I just folded. “Okay then, it’s a d—”

“No, Lucas. It’s not.”

“Right. Well, uh… I guess I’ll see you when I see you.”

“Yup. See you around,” she says, not even glancing up.

Fully dismissed, I study the sign on the door on my way out, making note of what time she closes on Saturday since she didn’t bother telling me. I glance back to catch her watching me do it. She turns away, trying, but failing, to hide her dimpled smile.

Chapter Seven

Regan

“Knock knock,” I whisper and peek around the door.

Maddie waves. “Come on in.”

My hand covers my heart when I see eleven-year-old Gigi sitting on the small sofa holding her new little brother.

I deposit the flowers and teddy bear on the table with all the others. “How are you?” I ask my friend.

Maddie smiles brightly. “Perfect.”

“His name is Teddy,” Gigi announces proudly.

I walk over and stare down at him, only able to see his tiny face, the rest of him wrapped in a blanket and beanie. “Hey, little dude.” I touch Gigi’s shoulder. “Looks like you’re already an amazing sister, eh, squirt?”

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