Page 65 of More Than Falling in Love

“In addition to his own list, Kent did half of Dag’s chores and a few of mine.Dag even asked me what was wrong with Kent, and we all know how in tune with emotions Dag is.”

I laugh in spite of my guilt.“Poor Dag.”

“Poor Dag nothing.I feel for Goldie.Not sure how she’s been his friend for so long.But that’s a whole other story.”

“Something happened, but I don’t want to talk about it.”

Kent cherishes his privacy, and I won’t ruin that.

Parker taps the steering wheel.“Okay.What about Mason?”

“He doesn’t have to know that things are different.”I cross my arms, hoping that somehow holds back tears.

“Have you met the kid?What Dag missed in the perception line, Mason got in spades.He’s going to know.”

“I’ll just have to make sure he doesn’t.”I stare out the window, hating the minute of silence that follows.“I’m sorry I snapped.”

“Poppy, I’m sorry.I wish I knew what to say.”

I shrug and jump out of the truck as soon as it rolls to a stop.“Thanks for the ride.”

Before stepping onto the porch outside the mess hall, I suck in a breath.If there is space for me, I’ll take that as a sign and sit in my normal spot.If there isn’t, I’m going to need tips on how not to cry in front of people.

Then I walk through the door.

Kent is sitting next to Mason, and they’ve left space for me.It’s the biggest tiny thing ever.

I fill a plate and walk over.When I stop beside Kent, his hand comes up, and I give it a squeeze as I swing my leg over the bench and sit down.

“Thanks.”

He gives a slight nod.

Maybe salvaging things is possible.

“Do you really have to leave tomorrow?”Mason stabs at his green beans, then loads them into his mouth.

“I do.By the time you get up, I’ll be at the airport.”Leaving is the hardest part of every trip.

“Maybe one day, Dad and I can go to New York and visit you.”

Kent tenses beside me, which serves as a warning to watch how I respond.

“That would be fun.”

“Are you coming over for reading time tonight?”

“Of course.”So far, I feel like I’m doing a pretty good job of making things seem unchanged.

“Good.”He leans on the table and looks at Kent.“Can Poppy spend the night tonight?”

All conversation stops as the entire room waits for Kent’s answer.

I nudge Mason.“I can’t tonight.”

“Maybe the next time you visit.”He eats a few more green beans.“Do you like tomatoes?”

“Yes.”

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