Page 12 of The Lucky One

“Sure you didn’t.” If she were a cartoon, I’m pretty sure smoke would be escaping her ears at this point. “But let’s go get your stuff, so that’s one less thing for you to worry about.”

We step outside, and the air has cooled considerably from the last time I was outside. Was it yesterday, or the day before? I’m used to Texas weather flip-flopping often, but paired with the way the porch light flickers, it puts me on edge. Bridget either doesn’t notice, or doesn’t care, and is making a beeline for her car.

“This entire day has been a disaster,” she mutters as the tailgate of the small SUV lifts. “I can’t believe I’m stuck here withyou.”

“Keep saying things like that and I might develop a complex, Spitfire.” I edge past her as soon as I see the size of her suitcase. She’s already mad, so might as well add to it and be a gentleman.

“My name isBridget,” she seethes.

I haul her ridiculously large, pristine suitcase onto the driveway with a thud. “I know. Did you put this in here? It weighs a ton.”

“Yes,” she says, angling her chin in the air like she’s daring me to say something.

“What’s in here, bricks?”

She crosses her arms. So far, she’s displaying every red flag I can think of and it only makes me want to dig in deeper. “Essentials.”

“Are youmoving in? It’s a little fast for me?—”

“You’re ridiculous.” Bridget rolls her eyes and steps forward to pull the handle up from the case.

“Do you have insurance on this thing? It looks like it might be worth a lot.”

She huffs and as soon as she touches the handle, I lean and swivel it my way.

“Give me my suitcase, Weston.”

I like the way she says my name, so I wiggle my eyebrows at her playfully. “Answer one question first. It’s important.”

“Fine. What?”

“What did you name it? Nobody has luggage this fancy without giving it a name.”

She presses her lips into a hard line. “I think you’ve had one too many concussions.”

“Wait—can I guess? Pascal? Ray. Is it a boy? I guess it could be a girl?—”

“Are you serious? Do Ilooklike a Disney Princess to you?”

I straighten, lifting a hand to my chin thoughtfully. “You’re missing a sidekick, but other than that… maybe?”

A smile plays around her lips briefly before she’s glaring at me again. “It’s Louie.”

I let out an exaggerated sigh. “That’s wholly unoriginal and honestly a little disappointing.”

“What do you mean?”

I gesture to the luggage. “It’s Louis Vuitton.”

She huffs. “I’m going to ignore the fact that you know a luxury brand item. What would you name it?”

I don’t even hesitate with my answer. “Maximus Decimus Meridius.”

This time she smiles, slow and brilliant like when the sun catches a prism. “Of course you would. Maybe you’re the unoriginal one.”

“He’s special,” I reply, tugging the suitcase a little closer to me. “If he travels with you, he’s bound to be a warrior.”

She extends her hand palm up in my direction. “Gimme.”

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