Page 102 of When You Had Me Adapting

“Yeah, um, her name was Lacey. We were neighbors and very close. Anyway, in middle school, I watched this documentary about how a group of photojournalists had discovered a new plant species in Africa. It was so impressive, and I got it in my head that maybe one day I could discover the Bixito Parrot.”

“So, would you say this has been a lifelong dream of yours?”

“You could say that.”

“And how did you stay driven to find it all this time? I mean I have kids. One day they want to be a firefighter, the next they want to be a doctor. Why do you think you never changed your mind?”

“Lacey,” I answer honestly because fuck it. Maybe she’ll read this and I’ll get to see her again.

“Your friend?”

“Yes. She is the type of person who you want in your corner. She’s fierce, loving, and supportive. She pushes you to be better. Before I graduated from high school, she found the application for the Young Photographers Program in D.C. She urged me to apply because she believed I was good enough to get it. I wasn’t so sure, but she didn’t let up until I submitted the form. To my surprise they picked me and because of that opportunity my life was forever changed.”

“Do you think completing the program played a part in helping you make the discovery?”

“Oh, definitely. Without the program, I would have never gotten into Georgetown, and without my degree, I wouldn’t have gotten the opportunities to learn and work with the people I have since. Lacey made me promise her before I left for D.C. that I would find the Bix and live out my dreams. I made her thatpromise, and I guess I’ve spent the last nine years working to keep it.”

“I won’t lie, Jacks, I did my research on you. Finding the Bix, as you call it, wasn’t an easy feat. The trip you discovered it on was your third attempt. I’ve heard you talk about how weather and close encounters with some pretty intimidating animals almost derailed the third try completely. I had no idea how dangerous the life of a wildlife photographer could be. So, why continually put yourself at risk to keep a promise you made as a kid?”

“Because I love her and she deserves for me to keep every promise I’ve ever made to her. No matter how big or how small.”

Meredith smiles and shakes her head. “I was not expecting to hear you say that. Thank you for sharing that with me. What did Lacey say when you told her you found it?”

“Oh, she doesn’t know. We went our separate ways after I moved to D.C. We haven’t spoken in a long time.”

Her eyes go wide. “I want to make sure I’m understanding you. This girl and you no longer speak, but you still went on to make this extraordinary rediscovery for her.”

I nod. “I know it sounds a little crazy, but I guess love makes you do crazy things.” I laugh.

“I guess it does.” She smiles.

The rest of the interview continues with her asking general questions about the Bix, our conservation efforts, and how people can help support the species. After an hour, she clicks off the recorder and stands to shake my hand again.

“Thank you again. It’s going to be a great story,” she assures me.

“It was my pleasure.” I smile.

CHAPTER 46: THANK GOD FOR A GOOD VIBRATOR

LACEY - PRESENT

It’s been three days, seven hours, and roughly twenty-two and a half minutes since Jace barged into my room and kissed me. I know this because I have literally thought of nothing else since it happened. Thank God for a good vibrator.

On Monday night, he called me from his uncle’s landline to let me know he had made it safely, but I haven’t heard from him since. I tried texting him a couple of times, but they never delivered.

Poppy left an hour ago to go to Logan’s for the night, so I’m home alone again. I consider reading, but the last thing I need is to be more horny, so instead I settle for an ice cream sundae andRomy and Michelle’s High School Reunionto distract me.

I’m halfway through the movie, but it’s no use. My whole body is buzzing from all the sugar I just consumed and I feel restless. I turn the TV off and fall back on my pillow. My phone begins to ring and when I look down I’m surprised to see it’s Jace and he’s FaceTiming me.

I quickly flick on the light and try my best to fix my hair. I swipe up and am instantly met with his panty melting smile. “Hi, pixie.”

“Hey. How’d you find service?”

“We had to run out to the store for Joe, so I don’t have long. I’m sitting in the parking lot waiting on Archie to buy some beer and finally have a little signal.”

“I’m glad you called. I didn’t realize Archie was there.”

“Yeah, he showed up yesterday. Him and Joe are miserable being around each other, so it’s been a lot of fun. Hence the need for beer.”

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