Page 103 of I Blame the Rival

Trip gives me an awkward wave from the parking lot. A wide smile breaks across my face as I pull her in for a hug.

“I didn’t know you were picking me up today!”

She nods against my shoulder, “I asked Wes if it would be okay. There’s a cute plant shop I thought you might like just around the block.”

“You’ve explored Silverwood?”

Trip pulls away, looking embarrassed, “Well, no. I just saw the little boutique and thought you might want to go for a visit.”

I give her a reassuring smile, “That sounds perfect. Lead the way.”

We follow the gravel path all the way to Silverwood’s main strip. The prairies serve as a soft backdrop for the littlemom-and-pop shops, their faded signs and rusted paint adding to the quaint charm of the rural town.

“Have you explored Silverwood much?” Trip glances at me, her grey eyes curious, “I heard you’ve been spending a lot of time here.”

“A little bit. Skylar has taken me to a few places he thought I would like.” I smile, remembering the bookstore, “But most of the time we’re hanging out at his house.”

“It’s going well then? You and Skylar?”

“I was actually just talking to Karen about that.”

Trip looks at me in shock, “You talk to your therapist about Skylar?”

“I talk to Karen about most things. She helps me sort out my thoughts and feelings in a way that doesn’t make me feel judged. It can be tough, especially when we go into the deeper stuff, but today I got to share something positive with her.”

I glance at her with a smile, “So, I guess the answer to your question is yes. Things are going well with Skylar.”

“I am so happy to hear that.” Trip clears her throat before looking down to play with the end of her baggy t-shirt.

“I know you only met me because I’m dating your brother, but I hope you know that I will always be there for you.”

I smile, “Does that mean I get to be your bridesmaid even if Wesley isn’t the groom?”

She laughs, “Absolutely.”

My heart feels full when we come to a stop in front of an adorable plant shop.

A faded green sign screamsBella In Bloomwhile mason jars full of fairy lights sit along the steps leading up to the doorway. I’ve already fallen in love before we make it inside and find an entire folding table dedicated to succulents on sale.

“I didn’t know there were so many plants in Silverwood.” Trip wanders over and picks up a pot, “This is so cute. What are the chances I keep it alive for more than two weeks?”

I laugh, “Follow the instructions and you might make it to six months.”

“Sold. I’m getting it.”

Trip snatches up the cactus and wanders to a nearby display table full of colourful pots and accessories. I continue scanning the table, wishing I had enough money and dorm space to bring them all home with me.

Pulling out my phone, I snap a picture and send it to Skylar.

ME: I found a greenhouse bigger than mine.

“Oh my God! This one has a little guitar painted on it.” Trip sighs happily and adds the pot to the stack in her arms, “You’ve officially converted me to planthood.”

Another laugh slips out just as my phone buzzes with a new text message.

SKYLAR: I like yours more.

ME: That is an extremely biased answer, but I like it.

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