Page 74 of More Than Falling in Love

“We’ve texted a bit.Only about reading time and Mason.It’s been nearly two weeks, and we haven’t video chatted once.When he was at Ava’s after I got home from the hospital, she talked to him, but this week, she had some big project and didn’t have time.They are supposed to chat tonight.I told Mason to read without me.”I stare out the window.“I really hurt her.”

“Why haven’t you apologized?”

“I need to do it in person.I’ve been counting the days until she comes back.”I shift to face him.“Has she given you an exact date?”

“Nope.”

“I miss her.More than I thought possible.Romance may not be in the cards for us, but I need my best friend back.”

“Figured as much.That’s why I had Lilith book you a ticket to New York City.”

“You did what?”

“I had a little saved up, but Lilith wouldn’t let me pay anything, so you can thank them if you’re happy about it.If you’re not…” He leans against his door.“Please don’t take a swing at me while I’m driving.”

“I want to hug you.But I’ll deny I said that if you repeat it.”I look at my phone, wanting to let Poppy in on my plan.

She has repeatedly surprised Mason, which, to me, indicates that she likes surprises, so I stuff the phone in my pocket.She’ll know I’m there when I show up at her door.

“Thanks, Parker.”

“That’s what friends are for.”He takes the exit for the airport.“Your plane leaves in two hours.Make sure you don’t have a pocketknife on you.”

I empty my bag and pockets of anything that won’t clear security.“I’m not sure how to thank you.”

“Give her a hug for me.”He rolls to a stop by the curb.

I get out and grab my bag.“I can definitely do that.”

After getting my boarding pass and making my way through security, I sit at the gate.I’ve never flown before.And I haven’t the slightest idea how I’ll find my way around New York City.But I’ll deal with that as it comes.

I check the time, then close my eyes, hoping it will make the minutes tick by more quickly.

“You look bigger up close.”Tandy sits down next to me.

Parker tells me what I need to hear, but he wouldn’t sic Tandy on me.I rub my jaw and wish I’d thought to shave before leaving.But I didn’t know I’d be seeing Poppy.

“Don’t worry.I’ll be nice.”Tandy taps my arm.“And I made sure Lilith booked us good seats.I’m not sure you could fold yourself into an economy one.”

“You’re going to New York?”

“I’m making sure you get where you’re going.I like Poppy.And don’t tell her that I told you, but I think she’s sweet on you.However, she’s afraid of love.”She looks around, then leans closer.“Are you going to proclaim your love?”

Shaking my head, I wonder how much to say to Tandy.I’ve done more blinking than talking, but I’m pretty much captive for the next few hours so I might as well tell her something.

“I’m going there to apologize.Poppy doesn’t want romance.And I didn’t handle that well.”

“You aren’t trying to change her mind?”

“I want Poppy to be happy.As much as I’d love to be part of that happiness, knowing she’s happy is more important.”

She rubs my arm.“Keep talking.I’m going to take notes.”

Great.Now my relationship will end up in a book.

Chapter 27

Poppy

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