Page 156 of Fake As Puck
“He told you about the plants?”
“He told me about the plants. He’s been calling me every few days asking if I think you’re happy, if I think you miss him, if I think this long-distance thing is sustainable.”
“What do you tell him?”
“I tell him to ask you himself. But also that you’re just as miserable as he is.”
“I’m not that miserable. I have my new job that’s keeping me really busy.”
“You’ve been sleeping in his shirt every night and crying at dog videos on Instagram. That’s miserable.”
She’s not wrong.
“What did your parents say when you said bye to them today?” she asks.
“My mom just hugged me and said she was happy for me. My dad did, too. He said they don’t need me around.”
“Ouch,” she replies.
I half laugh. “Yeah.”
“But that’s it, huh? No tears?”
I shake my head. “No, so I guess all of it was in my head.”
“I’m sure they’ll miss you, Liv. It’s okay. I’ll cry when you say goodbye.”
I laugh. “I need to get the last few things squared away, and then I’ll see you soon.”
“Okay.”
An hour later, I’m standing in Tessa’s driveway, keys to the U-Haul in one hand and my overnight bag in the other.
“I’m scared,” I admit as she pulls me into a hug.
“Anything worth doing is scary.”
Charlie comes running out of the house, her hair in pigtails, wearing a princess dress and rain boots.
“Auntie Liv!” she says, and my heart strings pull at the sight of her.
Tessa smiles down at us. I can’t believe myself but I’m actually crying when she hugs me. I pull her back and laugh through the tears. “I’m going to miss you so much, Charlie.”
“Where are you going?” Charlie asks.
“Charlie, honey, Auntie is going to live with Uncle West and hopefully make you some cousins soon.”
I shoot a look at her, and she winks at me.
Charlie starts jumping up and down. “I want cousins!”
“You have to come visit me, okay?”
Charlie nods as I wipe my tears. Tessa says, “We’ll bribe Uncle West into paying for the flights.”
I laugh, reaching for my best friend.
“Don’t forget about me,” she mumbles over my shoulder. “When you’re busy banging my brother, remember who had you first.”
