Page 16 of I Could Be Yours

Five minutes pass.

Essie

I’m serious, Nate. I need photographicevidence now.

Nate

Sounds like a threat. What’s your plan? To annoy me to death with incessant messages?

Essie

I will come to your apartment.

Nate

I’m almost done.

Essie

So you have been procrastinating! I knew it!

Nate

I’ve been working on it all week. I don’t half-ass shit.

Essie

I’m grabbing my keys.

I’m calling an Uber.

An image appears of a mostly finished Plinko board.

Nate

Satisfied?

Essie

I’d be more satisfied if it was finished.

Nate

Stop messaging me and it will be.

“The weather is ideal.” I prop my fists on my hips and survey the Brights’ backyard.

“It really couldn’t be more perfect. Thank you for organizing this.” Rix hugs me.

“I had some help.” It was pulling teeth withNate until I showed up at his work. After that he was all over task management, almost to an annoyingly adept degree. “Besides, it was fun, and if there’s ever a relationship to celebrate, it’s yours and Tristan’s. You two are an inspiration.”

Rix’s smile grows soft. “He’s really come a long way, hasn’t he?”

“You both have.” I nudge her shoulder with mine. “I love the way you love each other.”

The guy went from completely relationship adverse to completely dedicated. They attend couples therapy together so they can deal with their personal issues. They’re awe-inspiring, and I’m rooting for them so hard. If anyone deserves to be loved with such ferocity, it’s my bestie.

“Me too.” She links her arm with mine. “You’ll find your person one day.”

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