Page 107 of Beautiful Storm

I’m looking his way but I’m not seeing him as my mind replays his words.Fuck. He’s right. What the hell am I doing here? I may not know what I feel, but I’m not going to figure it out drinking with Easton.

“You’ve been awesome, man, but I’ve gotta go,” I announce, standing up with a new confidence coursing through me. “I need to talk to Amelia.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

Amelia

He did what I asked, and it made me realize I want something else entirely.

No matter how hard I stare at the plain bowl of ice cream in front of me, I can’t figure out what’s missing. Does it need chocolate topping, or nuts, or…pickles?

I laugh to myself. Nope, I have not had that craving yet. But I’m definitely craving something more than plain vanilla. What kind of person only has vanilla in their freezer? Sure, I did it because I thought it would deter me from eating it, but now I’m desperate for something sweet and it’s not doing it for me.

I contemplate going out, but when I peek down at my red bathrobe and pink fluffy slippers, I decide against it. Going out would involve me getting changed out of my comfortable attire, and since I called work this morning and told them I wasn’tcoming in for the day, getting dressed is counterproductive to my lazy day goals.

So instead, I need ideas and I need them fast.

Amelia: What’s a good topping for vanilla ice cream?

Hayley: Coffee liqueur

Amelia: (eye roll emoji)

Hayley: Oh… for you? Peanut butter. Nutella

Peanut Butter or Nutella. Hmmm. Both good options but—

Hayley: Popcorn or M&M’s

My mouth waters the second I read her message, and I’m walking toward the pantry before the idea has fully formed. What about popcornandM&M’s. That’s a thing, right? Or is it a weird pregnancy thing? What am I saying… Do I care? Nope. Ineedit.

Hayley: Jelly

Hayley: Maple syrup

Hayley: Pickles

Hayley continues to message me as I thankfully find a bag of microwave popcorn and a bite-size packet of M&M’s. I can’t remember where the latter came from, but who am I to question it. I glance down at the screen, smiling at her options while I get the popcorn ready for heating.

Hayley: Vegemite

What? I gag and quickly type out a response as I set the timer.

Amelia: We can’t be friends anymore

Hayley: (Laughing emoji) I haven’t actually tried it on ice cream but I was going for salty and sweet. Never say never, right? And you need me

Amelia: You’re right, I do. And you gave me Popcorn and M&M’s so I guess there’s that

Hayley: Good. Is this a pregnancy craving or an emotional binge?

Amelia: Can it be both?

Hayley: Definitely. Want me to come over?

Amelia: Thanks, but I’m good. I just need to think.

The popcorn starts popping at an alarming rate so I turn off the microwave before I burn it, and the second I open the door, I moan as the smell of the hot, buttery goodness permeates the air.

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