Page 138 of Friends Don't Kiss

I switch screens and capture the marble table where my espresso sits, with the boulevard in the background shining under the rain. I apply a filter to make it look cozy and vibrant, then hit send.

“Shit, you’re living the life,” he drawls.

I don’t tell him that the bistro chair I’m sitting on pokes my shoulder blades, that the table is cold and hard under my elbows, and that the closed-in part of the sidewalk café is drafty. You don’t get to complain about anything when you’re getting an all-expenses-paid training in Paris.

“How was your week?” he asks me, and I tell him.

We text every day throughout the day, but with the time difference, it’s complicated. The disconnect adds to the actual miles separating us, and these Sunday calls are the most precious of our times together.

“Your turn,” I say, and I close my eyes, listen to his voice, and visualize him, his apartment, the garage, and all of Emerald Creek as he talks to me. “Tell your mom and dad I said hi,” I say when he tells me he needs to shower and get ready. Grace, Ethan, and Colt are taking Shannon and Dennis out for brunch for his dad’s birthday.

The sound of his voice tells me he’s stretching when he answers, and for a beat that distracts me. “Gonna see if I can squeeze in another race before it’s over for the season.”

For some reason I can’t explain, that makes me sad. Or maybe it’s because he needs to go shower, and we have to say goodbye, and until next week we won’t be spending an hour on the phone.

2:13 p.m.

To: Willow

Don’t forget the muffins tomorrow. Colt mentioned Cass is dropping off her car—she likes the raspberry muffins.

4:02 p.m.

Willow:

Pretty sure we’re out of raspberries.

Really?

I thought there were several pounds frozen at the bakery.

4:03 p.m.

Ask Chloe

4:04 p.m.

Or Corine

4:10 p.m.

Sorry if I’m coming across as a little controlling

But this is Cassandra. She deserves us going above and beyond

6:19 p.m.

To: Chloe, Corine

Any chance you guys would have frozen raspberries?

6:25 p.m.

It’s for muffins for the garage. I can Venmo you

6:47 p.m.

Willow may or may not ask you

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