Page 67 of More Than Falling in Love

Poppy:I’m home.

Me:Thanks for letting me know.

I’m tempted to fall right back into old habits, but then I think of that kiss, the way she felt pressed against me.And I can’t go back.Instead, I do my best to be polite.

Poppy:I’ll be ready for reading time tonight.

Me:Great

My phone rings, and Poppy’s name is on the screen.Thankfully, no one else is around.“Hello?”

“I’m trying to make things not awkward.We can be friends, right?”

Asking her to clarify whether she wants to be friends like Garrett and Tessa or like Dag and Goldie might be pushing things too far.“Was I being awkward?”

“Our friendship means a lot to me, Kent.”

“I know.But I’m doing my best.As soon as I figure out how to get this cork back in the bottle, things will be like they were before.”

She sniffles.“Enough with the champagne analogies already.I’m sorry for spilling it on your shirt.”

“Sorry.Listen, I need to get back to work.I’ll talk to you tonight.”I end the call before I have to endure any more crying.

I need better walls.Poppy-proof walls.

The rest of the day flies by, and when Mason flops himself onto the couch after his shower, I paste on a smile.“Ready?”

“Yep.Call Poppy.”He’s snuggled against the bear.As I’m searching up her name in my contacts, he touches my hand.“Wait.Before her name was at the top.In the favorites.”

I should’ve known he’d notice.“Don’t worry.I have her number.”

“Dad, you need to put it back where it goes.”The uncertainty in his voice breaks my heart.He hasn’t sounded this distressed since the night we met and he asked me where he was going to live.

“After reading time, I’ll put it back, okay?”

He nods.“She’s my friend, Dad.I love Poppy.”

“I know you do.”I just wish I didn’t feel the same way.

Just as Poppy shows up on the screen, Mason slides off the couch.“Y’all talk.I’ll be back.”

She smiles, as aware as I am that we’ve been set up.“Hi.”

“Hey.Good day?”

“Not really.But I’m hoping things will get better.How about yours?”

“About the same.”When the sink comes on, I check on Mason.

He grins with a toothbrush in his mouth.“I forgot to brush.”

While he cleans his teeth, I step outside to hopefully clear the air.“Flutter, I’m trying to…” Why did I use her nickname?No matter what Parker says, that is not a friends thing.“I don’t want Mason to worry that you won’t be part of his life, and I know you won’t abandon him.I know that.So I’m trying to keep things friendly… ish.”

“Ish.”She blows out a breath.“Seeing me is painful for you.Talking to me is hard.And I’m sorry.The only reason I’m still on board for reading time is because of Mason.I care about him.He shouldn’t suffer because of what happened.”

“I need to go back inside.”

After wiping her eyes, she smiles.“I’m ready.”

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