Page 102 of Hang the Moon
“I am, but—” His voice broke off abruptly and he forced down a swallow before coughing to clear his throat. “Again, she’s leaving tomorrow.”
And she had yet to say if she was moving to London or staying in Philadelphia or maybe, just maybe, thinking of relocating here.
Margot frowned, picking at the outer fold of the tortilla. “How goesthe plan?”
“Plan?”
“You know,the plan. The one I inadvertently inspired? What you’ve been doing this entire time? Proving to Annie that romance isn’t dead by wooing, taking cues from all your favoritesappy movies? It must’ve worked better than I thought if it got you this far.”
“Do my ears deceive me or did you just admit you were wrong about something?”
Margot rolled her eyes. “Shouldn’t you be, I don’t know, hiring a skywriter or getting her face tattooed on your stomach or something?”
“If that’s what you think passes for romance, I pity the person you fall in love with.” He smiled, softening the barb.
“Good thing I’m not looking to fall in love with anyone.”
“One of these days—”
“Finish that sentence.” She narrowed her eyes. “I dare you.”
He held his tongue, knowing better than to press the issue. ButGod, he was going to love to sayI told you soto her one day. “The movie scene recreations worked as far as giving us the opportunity to get to know one another while also showing Annie around town. Ithinkshe appreciates the effort I put into our dates”—even he had to admit his execution, at times, was a bit of a fail, what with the Great Wheel malfunctioning, the wrong song playing at karaoke, getting stranded by the ferry, falling in the water at the wedding—“but grand gestures aren’t her love language.”
Margot shrugged. “Okay, then speak her language.”
He slumped back in his chair and pressed the heels of his hands into his eye sockets. “What do you think I’ve been trying to do?”
Show Annie he cared via thoughtful gifts and quality time, all without overwhelming her.
She winced. “Maybe grab a megaphone and speak her language louder?”
Maybe Margot was right. Tomorrow, Annie would be on a plane. Now wasn’t the time to play it safe.
He checked his phone. Five minutes until his meeting. He balled up his foil burrito wrapper and tossed it in the trash. “Speaking of time, I’ve got to head over to the conference room. You’re welcome to hang around in here if you want.”
“Nah, I’ve got places to be.” Margot kicked her feet off his desk and stood, following him out of his office. She paused in the hall, just before the bank of elevators. “Good luck with your meeting.”
He rocked back on his heels. Nerves were settling in, his hopes for this meeting high. “Thanks.”
“And, Brendon?” She reached out, patting him on the shoulder. “Good luck with Annie. Just remember, there’s only so much anyone can do. You, Darcy, Elle—we all think it would be great if Annie stayed, but at the end of the day? Whether she stays or goes is her choice.”
***
Brendon sank down into the couch and snagged Annie around the waist, dragging her into his lap. His fingers dug into her sides and she squirmed, howling.
“Oh my God, Brendon! Stop! That tickles!”
He cut it out, chuckling softly.
She shifted, getting comfy, her head pillowed atop his thighs. “You’re in a good mood.”
His nose scrunched. “Aren’t I usually?”
“Yes, but you’re, like, extra cheerful right now.” She snagged his hand and laced their fingers together atop her stomach. “Your enthusiasm’s beginning to rub off on me.”
He waggled his brows, making her snort-laugh. “Brendon.”
“Sorry.” He didn’t sound it. “I had a great day.”
