Page 66 of Petals and Plot Twists
Slowly, I stand and pad over to the front door, where I scoop up my heels, then head to my bedroom to change into pajamas. I can’t remember if Peter took his keys when he left, but if he didn’t, he’ll probably be back any minute.
I find myself listening for him, stepping into the hallway while I’m brushing my teeth to see if he’s coming down the hall. Peering into the kitchen in case he snuck in when the water was on and I missed it.
But he doesn’t show.
Even when I’m completely ready for bed, bundled in my favorite flannel pajama pants and the MIT hoodie I stole from Peter the summer after he finished his bachelor’s degree, he still hasn’t come back.
I clean up the kitchen and, despite having already brushed my teeth, I bake a batch of Peter’s cookies, then curl up on my couch with an entire plate of them, determined to stay up until he returns. The cookies are delicious, which only makes me long for Petermore.He didn’t pick this recipe on a whim. He picked it because it’s our favorite. Because these cookies are something we’ve always enjoyed together.
I gave Peter a spare key when he moved in, so technically, I could go to bed. But I feel a dull ache at the back of my heart, and I’m not sure it’ll go away until I see him again.
I have no idea what I’ll say.
What I evenwantto say.
I just know I’ll feel better, more at peace, once he’s here.
I won’t watchTed Lassowithout Peter, so I pick a different show and make it through two full episodes. But Peter still doesn’t show up.
I can’t really be annoyed, but Iama little worried.
I stand and riffle through his stuff, trying to find his keys. I can’t find them, so he must have grabbed them on his way out.
Which means he could be anywhere.
Back on the couch, I retrieve my phone from the coffee table and send him a quick text.
Sophie
Hey. Are you coming back tonight? Are you okay?
His response comes through almost immediately.
Peter
Staying at my place tonight. I had to water the plants.
I roll my eyes. Peter hasoneplant, a golden pothos on his desk, and I’m the only one who ever waters it. As fastidious as he is about everything else in his life, the man can’t keep a plant alive to save himself.
Sophie
Plants plural?
Peter
Fine. Plant. I still watered it.
Sophie
Are you avoiding me?
Peter
Yes.
I have to at least chuckle at his honesty.
Sophie
