Page 62 of The Odds of Happily Ever After
I used to hate the way she called me that, how the word dripped with sarcasm and carried a sharp edge. Now it seemed playful. Maybe even affectionate.
Nicknames were never my thing. We had names for a reason, and most nicknames sounded sappy—but I didn’t mind it coming from her.
Entering my house, I glimpsed myself in the mirror next to my coat rack. I was smiling. And I realized that the headache that had been brewing throughout the day had eased since talking with Luna.
Good thing I’d seen her apartment and called her.
I froze. When did I start seeing that apartment building as Luna’s instead of Tala’s?
And more importantly, when did Luna become someone I could call just because I wanted to?
junior year
chapter twenty
luna
Jason
Hey Luna, you have any plans? Can I drop by around 4?
Luna
Hey! Sure, I’m free then
Jason
Cool. I’ll bring D’Angelico’s.
Luna
YAY! See you!!
“Wait, are youserious? You’re moving to the Philippines?” I stared across my dining table at Jason, who came over bearing my favorite pizza and a major announcement. I’d known he was enrolling in a master’s degree in Sterling, but him going for the distance learning option was news to me.
“Yeah.” He grinned. “I have to fly back here a couple of times but for the most part, I’ll be living in Manila. Already found a condo near your family’s house and everything.”
“Oh my God. That’s amazing. And Ate has no idea?”
“She still thinks I’m arriving next week. I want to surprise her at the studio.”
“Good luck trying to fly under the radar.” Not only was Jason a six-foot-four blond hunk of a man, he was also a recently retired NBA player in a country where basketball was the national sport. I could already imagine the uproar he’d create as soon as he landed—and Ate’s reaction. “She’s going to freak.”
“Hopefully in a good way. I’m crossing my fingers she’ll forgive me for keeping a secret from her this time.”
“I’m pretty sure she will.” I shook my head, amazed by Jason’s love for my sister. “Wow, this is really happening. I’m so excited for you guys.”
“Me too. I’ve been counting the seconds till I see her again.”
“I bet. Give her a hug for me, ‘kay?”
“Of course.” His brow furrowed as he regarded me. “You sure you’re okay here?”
“Not you too.” I’d gotten the usual question from my parents just last weekend, like surviving on my own this past year wasn’t enough proof of my ability. “I’ve been living alone for almost a year now, you know.”
“Yeah, but you’ll be busier this semester with your fashion classes.”
“Are you kidding? Those are the ones I’m looking forward to the most.”
