Page 27 of Lodged

I bark out a laugh.

Gio: Can I take a few minutes to think before I answer? I don’t want to get it wrong.

He’s a goofball, and I love him for it.Wait—love? Where did that come from?

Ruin: Clock’s ticking…

Gio: Fine, I’ll answer, but I want it to be known that I was rushed to answer, so if my answer is wrong, you know why.

A big smile spreads on my lips as I see the three dots dancing on my screen.

Gio: In Argentina, we get all four seasons, so it wasn’t a big change for me when I moved here. But I have to say my favorite is fall. The colors and the crisp air are something special. Spring is a close second.

Ruin: I regret to inform you…

Gio: What? No, this isn’t fair.

Ruin: That fall is my favorite season, too!

Gio: Ahhh, you scared me.

Ruin: I gotcha! *laugh emoji*

Gio: That you did.

I continue to laugh and smile in equal measure as we stay up texting all night long.

It’s been a long day, but I’m finally done, and I’ll be going to my hometown this weekend, so I’m in good spirits. When I get back to my apartment, I’m stunned by the sight—red, orange andyellow mums, sunflowers, dahlias, and roses are everywhere. It’s a sea of fall-colored flowers, and the apartment smells divine.

“What’s all this?” I murmur as I get closer to the largest bouquet, where a small card is tucked inside.

Ruin,

Happy First Day of Fall.

I wish I could spend it with you, but alas, this is life.

Looking forward to seeing you soon,

Cobalt.

“Holy crap, Ruin. Who are you dating, and where can I get one? Look at this place,” Everly says as she comes out of her room. I can’t help but grin at the note. He remembered. Last time we went out, I told him everything about home—how much I love fall and the Apple Festival. Though we haven’t gone out since then, our text exchanges keep me on my toes. His messages are so thrilling, and the warmth in his words is intoxicating. I love getting to know him.

“Ruin?”

“Oh, sorry. It’s a guy from home. No one you know.”

“Damn, and he sent all this? I thought you were going home this weekend.”

“I am, but I guess he wanted me to know he was thinking of me on the first day of fall. It’s my favorite season.”

“I guess so,” she says, grabbing an apple from one of the arrangements. There are apples and pumpkins along with the flowers. I can’t believe Gio did all this for me.

“I mean, this is super cute but what kind of name is Cobalt?” I chuckle because she’s right. Cobaltisa unique name, and there’s no way I can tell her it’s the name I gave the husky plush Giogot me because it reminded me of his eyes. Another thing he remembered.

Heading to my room with the note and an apple in hand, I get goose bumps all over my body at the sight—there are even more flowers in here. A basket on my bed catches my eye, filled with a set of candles, a cute mug, a soft blanket, and all the ingredients to make my favorite pumpkin-spiced latte. Putting my backpack on the floor, I get comfortable in my bed before texting Gio.

Ruin: What did I ever do to deserve you?

---