Tyler:I’m sorry I ruined game night and your blind date with Nigel by kissing you.
Tyler:Can we still be friends?
Meg:Are those last two ideas for signs or an actual apology?
Tyler:Both.
Meg:I’m sorry too. (Idea for a sign)
Meg:We can still be friends. (Another sign idea)
Tyler:I like those.
Meg:Me too.
I grin. We’re back in business.
* * *
MEG
I’ve taken all thenecessary precautions.
I’ve kept Tyler Dixon an arm’s length away.
I’ve told everyone, including myself, that Tyler and I are just friends. And then he goes and writes a cute apology text and makes me question whether or not I actually need my job.
I can live on my Etsy sales, right? Who needs a car, an apartment, or food?
Tyler:PS…go to your balcony for a surprise.
I glance at the sliding glass doors that lead to the small balcony of my second-story apartment. Is Tyler going to be out there holding a huge boombox over his head or something? For some reason, I wouldn’t put it past him.
I step outside and look over the rail. There’s no Tyler, but there is a string dangling from the railing to the bushes below. I pull it up, and a pink box emerges out of the bushes. There’s a note rolled up like a scroll tied between the string and the box, and I’m like a kid on Christmas morning. I can’t get it open fast enough.
Meg,
I’m sorry that I acted like ajackassa word you don’t say and kissed you. I wasn’t planning on it, it’s just something that happened. For the record, I enjoyed the kiss, just not the part where I compromised your job. Please accept my peace offering.
Your friend,
Tyler
I open the pink box. Inside is a chocolate chip cookie. Cookies—they’re pretty much the best way to my heart.
I run inside and grab my phone, sending off a text.
Meg:You’re forgiven for everything you’ve ever done in your life.
Tyler:I see you got the cookie.
Tyler:I’m surprised your neighbor didn’t confiscate it.
Meg:Why? What neighbor?
Tyler:Some guy out having a smoke break. When I set my ladder up under your balcony to tie the string to the railing, he thought I was trying to break into your apartment. He may have tackled me and elbowed me in the eye.
My building BFF tackled Tyler?