Page 3 of When You Had Me Adapting

He takes the bottle, throws it back, and immediately chokes, causing the three of us to burst out laughing. He hands the bottle back to Poppy, who replaces the cork and tucks it into her bag.

I lean over, put my head on his shoulder, and grab Poppy’s hand with my free one. “I love you both so much.”

“I love you both more,” Poppy chimes.

“I love you both the most.” Jace squeezes my hand twice and kisses my forehead.

Man, this totally blows.

“Oh shit,” Poppy screams, slapping my leg and pointing up towards the sky. “A shooting star! Quick, make a wish.” Her eyes slam shut.

“You two don’t really still believe in wishing on stars do you?” Jace laughs.

“Shhhh,” Poppy says. “Make a wish before it’s too late.”

I feel him squeeze my hand and I glance over to find his eyes shut. A smile is spread across his face.

I close mine for a long minute, wishing Jace and I make it through this next year. Pressure builds under my eyelids. I open my eyes to find him staring at me, causing the tears to flow down my cheeks. Quickly wiping them away and forcing a smile, I ask, “What?”

His crystal blue eyes are full of warmth and assurance. His face says everything I need it to without ever speaking a word. Deep in my gut I hope he’s right because I don’t ever want to do life without Jace Jackson and Poppy Collins by my side.

Somewhere in the distance a police car siren fades and a dog barks. The sound of crickets chirping fills the quiet night. The air is warm and still. The three of us sit in silence for a while, soaking up what feels like the final moments of our friendship.

No, not final. Jace will be back in a year.I still have Poppy.

“Okay, love birds, I’m getting eaten alive by mosquitos.” Poppy slaps at her shin. “I’m going to let you two have your night.” She turns over onto all fours and starts to crawl back towards my open window. The bottle in the bag clanking against the roof as she crawls. “Jace, you better not leave without telling me bye,” she shouts as she falls back into my room.

“I wouldn’t dare.”

“Bye, babe,” I say.

He watches until she disappears out of view and then pulls me between his legs. His arms wrap around me and his chinrests on my shoulder, allowing his breath to tickle my neck. Goosebumps erupt down my arms.

“So, what did you wish for?” I ask.

“If I tell you, then it won’t come true.”

“And I thought you didn’t believe in wishing on stars,” I say. He squeezes my sides making me giggle.

“I don’t, but you do and it makes you happy.” I shift so I can see him. He looks so handsome. A boyish smile erupts across his face. My eyes gloss over and as if he is reading my mind he leans forward and kisses me. His tongue swirls around mine and those butterflies return. He pulls away and rests his forehead against mine.

“Long distance can work, Lace. We will talk every day. We will make time for one another.”

“And if it doesn’t?”

“It will,” he says.

“Jace, promise me if it doesn’t work. If for some reason we’re no longer in each other’s lives that you’ll still try to find the Bix. Promise me all the heartbreak won’t be for nothing.”

“Long distance will?—”

“Swear it,” I cut him off.

“I pinky promise.” He lifts up his pinky finger and I lock mine around his. “But long distance is going to work. I promise that too.”

CHAPTER 1: BOATS AND HOES

LACEY - PRESENT

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