Page 36 of When You Had Me Adapting

Jace: Tomorrow then? 1 pm? Want to grab coffee?

Lacey: You and I don’t have the best track record at coffee shops. Can we meet somewhere else?

Jace: My apartment?

Lacey: Okay.

I hear a soft knock on the door and I drop the phone onto the bed. I walk over and open the door to find Poppy standing in the doorway.

“I thought you were going to Logan’s?”

“I couldn’t leave knowing we fought.” She wraps me in a hug and squeezes me tight. “I’m sorry. I love you.”

“I’m sorry too.” She releases and looks at me. “You were right, you know?”

“About what?” she asks.

“I’ve been holding onto Jace for ten years. Most days it’s hatred and other days I miss him so bad it hurts. He was my first love and no one compares to what I had with him. What he ruined.I texted him and we’re meeting tomorrow.”

“Just hear him out. Maybe y’all can sort this out and we can all be friends again.”

“Maybe.”

“And if not, that’s okay too. At least you’ll have some closure and can move on. I’m proud of you.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah. Being an adult sucks.”

CHAPTER 17: IS THIS A FUCKING JOKE?

JACE

My phone rings and I pull it out of my back pocket fully expecting to see Lacey’s name on the screen. I was shocked when she agreed to talk to me and part of me keeps expecting her to cancel. I swipe up and place the phone to my ear.

“Eli! How’s my favorite mentor doing? It’s been a minute.”

“Ha. As far as I know, I was the only one dumb enough to take you under my wing.”

I chuckle. “Are you back from Guatemala?”

“We are. We’re actually in Atlanta for the Nat Geo charity auction tonight and I was hoping you might be in town too?”

“Oh, yeah. I’m in town and will probably be here until at least August. What’s up?”

“Are you coming to the auction?”

“No, not really my thing.”

“How’d you manage to get out of it?”

“I’ll never tell my secrets.”

“Bastard. Could you do me a huge favor today?”

I nervously check my watch. It’s eleven. Two hours until Lacey arrives. “Depends. I have plans with an old friend. Whatcha need?”

“Well, one of the photographers who was supposed to donate something to the auction backed out at the last minute. I was wondering if I could meet up with you and maybe have you sign something?”

“The infamous Eli Miller wants my autograph. Oh, how the tables have turned,” I laugh.

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