Page 53 of Can't Always Get What You Want

Another buzz.

Luca: For the record, I’m VERY pro tank top. And marriage is a big step, but I also REALLY like canned beans.

I let out a strangled noise that’s part-laugh, part-scream. My cheeks are on fire. My body is 90% regret, 10% hope he’s kidding but also slightly not.

I quickly text Poppy.

Me: I hate you so much right now.

Poppy: What the hell did I do?!?

Me: I was texting you and then he texted and I told him he might propose by the canned beans. But the message was meant for you and now I hate myself. My face is so red right now.

Poppy: I AM SCREAMING. Dead. Deceased.

Me: STOP LAUGHING. This is not a win.

Poppy: This is a massive win. For me.

Me: Excuse me while I throw myself into a lake.

More buzzing.

Luca: Just to confirm, the beans are in aisle 7. Currently debating which brand of legumes feels most matrimonial.

Oh my God.

I should say something.

I need to respond.

Poppy: Did he text back?!? I need a live feed. That one guy I fucked 6 months ago is a cop and can probably get us a body cam….

Nightmare.

How am I supposed to look at that man with a straight face?

Still. Despite my fluttery nerves, I smile down at my screen; at his name.

Luca: All jokes aside, what time should I meet you there?

Of course he textsnow. While I’m in the middle of texting Poppy about that one guy she never mentioned sleeping with.

Multitasking: not my strength.

Pay attention, Nova. Pay. Attention.

Me: You did NOT tell me you fucked that guy! God I am so jealous—I wasn’t joking when I said there was a ghost in my vagina.

Me: Let’s say 3:30? I had a virtual coffee date with Poppy and still need time to go home andget cute.

A beat later, Poppy’s response hits like a warning siren.

Poppy: I think you meant that for someone else…he he

Oh shit—I sent Luca’s text to Poppy and Poppy’s text to Luca! Seriously. WHY AM I SO BAD AT MULTI-TASKING?!

My vag shrivels ten sizes, which, may or not be considered a bad thing, considering who you ask.

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