Page 57 of Any Second Now
We justwavedat each other.
A twinge makes me realize I’m biting my lip and smiling so wide it hurts my face.
I can’t stop around this man. He makes me laugh, and I appear to have the same effect on him.
He didn’t laugh at me when I told him my sailing story. I mean, he laughed, but it waswithme, notatme, I’m almost positive. I admit the sailing trip wasn’t my proudest moment. And these days? Boats—even if they’re kayaks on a serene lake—terrify me. Maybe one day I’ll get over that. Maybe Atticus will help me.
It’s been about an hour, and Atticus told me the practice shouldn’t be much longer than that. The skating coach leaves the ice and the boys are talking to Coach Jackson. Looks like they should be done soon.
My phone buzzes in my lap.
Lucy
Just that he’s been spending some time with you to make sure you don’t get yourself into any trouble in Fort Collins
January
Raleigh never gets in trouble
Lucy
Bullshit. Someone needs to make sure she doesn’t accidentally get married for a third time
Damn, that hurts, but is also pretty freaking funny. And not far from the truth. Jacob and I met soon after my first divorce was final. We didn’t officially date for a year, but my heart was with him from almost day one.
I definitely get toodeep, too fast.
Me
Not funny
Lucy
A little funny. At least I know you’re safe to not accidentally fall into a relationship with my brother
January
Um, she did make out with him on New Year’s Eve. God only knows what they’re doing now, babes
Lucy
Raleigh? Confirm or deny?
Oh. Yeah. Because Atticus doesn’t do relationships.
I consider telling them he’s interested in a girl from the bookstore but don’t want to seem like I’m trying to convince them he is looking for a girlfriend, because they’ll know in a split second I’m interested.
I consider telling them about how we made out on my couch in the Pink Palace while watching zombie movies. They’d lose their damn minds.
I consider telling them about kayaking, or all the presents he’s brought me, or the way my chest warms when he smiles at me.
But I don’t.
Because I’m only here for a few more weeks.
I’m recently twice divorced.
He’s a player.
