Page 2 of When You Had Me Adapting

“Yeah, if you could keep it PG when I’m around, that would be awesome,” she says dryly.

“Well, then you might want to go home because I was about to take Lace into her room and—” I slap my hand over his mouth before he can continue.

“Yes, please stop,” she deadpans.

His lips curve into a smile under my hand, and then I feel his tongue shoot out of his mouth and wet my palm.

“Jace!” I wipe my hand on the blanket. His chest rumbles with laughter. I wish I could bottle it up and listen to it forever.

“It’s been ten months and I’m still not used to the two of you putting your tongues on one another.” She attempts a smile, but it looks more like a grimace.

“What has you third-wheeling tonight, Pop?” he asks.

“I know, I know. It’s y’all’s last night and whatever.” She rolls her eyes. “But I couldn’t let you leave tomorrow without a proper send-off.”

“Y’all need to stop acting like I’m leaving forever.” He shakes his head and runs his free hand over his head, making sure to not let go of mine with the other.

“Well, you got this fancy schmancy job in D.C., so excuse me if I’m worried you will forget about your two best friends when you’re busy being some fancy schmancy photographer,” Poppy says, digging through the bag.

Jace squeezes my hand a little tighter and I try to push her words as far out of my mind as they can possibly go. His eyes meet mine and he offers me a reassuring smile like he knows what I’m thinking.

“I was just telling Lacey I could never forget about her and I won’t forget about you either. Also, it’s not a job. It’s an unpaid opportunity to get some experience.”

“Yeah, experience with real professional photojournalists. Don’t sell yourself short. You’re one of fifty rising college freshmen to get selected. That’s a really big deal, J,” I say, and it is. It’s a really big deal and I don’t know why he’s so modest about it. One graduating senior from each state, and he was picked for Georgia.

He smiles sheepishly and shrugs his shoulders.

“You’re getting an opportunity that will help you find the Bixito Parrot one day. And that’s extraordinary. I’m so proud of you,” I add.

“You really think I’ll find it?”

“I know you will,” I say, giving his hand a squeeze. “It’s your dream and if anyone can do it, you can.”

“Maybe. Really though, next year is going to fly by and once it’s over I’ll be back here with both of you at Farrington U.” He plants a chaste kiss on my lips.

“I feel the need to remind you that Lacey was my first friend when I moved here, so if you decide to break her heart, I’m picking her.” Poppy’s tone is playful, but I know she’s dead serious. He shakes his head and I give my best friend a little shove.

“Wow.” Jace laughs. “Have I ever told you that you’re a great friend? Thank you.”

“Well you know me. I’m a real girl’s girl.” She pulls me into a side hug and squeezes me tight.

“Noted, but you both have nothing to worry about. I swear. I’ll be back here before you know it. It’s just a step toward reaching my goals.”

“Good, because I would hate to hate you,” she says with a wink. The knot in my gut tightens. I know Jace loves me and Iknow I love him, but what if it’s not enough? What if my best friend is right? What if my mom is right? Why does everyone else think he’ll hurt me?

My head and heart are fighting an internal battle. One is telling me to tell him to follow his dreams, trusting that everything will be okay. The other is listening to everyone else and wanting to selfishly beg him to stay.

“Are your parents home? Colt let me in,” Poppy says, distracting me from my spiral.

I shake my head. “No, they’re at dinner with my dad’s boss or something. Colton’s probably hiding in his room playing video games. Why?”

“Because I raided Dad’s liquor cabinet.” Her eyes dance with mischief as she pulls a green bottle from the bag and uncorks the top. “Cheers to the three musketeers,” she yells as loud as she can, giggling and lifting the bottle into the air before taking a huge swig. Her whole body shivers and she visibly gags. “Shit, it’s terrible.”

She passes the bottle to me, and I read the label. “This is absinthe, Poppy. I think it’s meant to be mixed with something.”

She shrugs. “I couldn’t steal his good shit. He would’ve noticed.”

I tilt the bottle up despite my better judgment. The liquid burns my throat as I swallow. “Fuck, thisisterrible. Jace?” I cough out.

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