Page 83 of The Fun Part
“Now it’s time to let him know you’re serious about him,” Harper says. “Things changed. Feelings happened.”
I open my mouth and promptly shut it.
“On both sides,” Sutton says. “I could totally tell. He’s not good at showing it, but he cares deeply. I’m talking love territory.”
My heart pounds.
Harper takes a sip of my tea and makes a face. Probably because it’s cold. “Be as direct about your feelings as you were about your boundaries and you’ll be fine.”
“But I’m not sure he returns those feelings.” He was in a panic after the vow renewal and Mom’s hint about our future wedding. It doesn’t exactly scream I have vulnerable feelings for you. Is it possible they’re buried deep down? Is he as scared of taking a chance on me as I am with him?
“I’m sure,” Sutton says. “I’m telling you, when you weren’t looking, he had an adoring-puppy look. That’s the Cal version of love.”
My lips quirk to the side. Sutton reads too many romance novels.
Harper hands me a cookie. “I think he’s feeling something deep too. No guy sends flowers after a one-night stand they don’t plan to see again.”
“He sent flowers?” Sutton asks on a sigh. “Flowers are so nice. John said flowers are a waste of money.”
Harper shakes her head. “Girl, what were you thinking with that one?”
Sutton traces a circle on the table. “He was my high school sweetheart. I thought we’d have a lifelong love like my parents. Well, before Mom died.”
“Seems like their love continues still,” I say gently.
Sutton nods. “Yeah. I guess that’s not my path after all.”
“Everyone’s path is different. Right?” Harper says. “My parents met by accident when my dad and Mackenzie’s dad switched places on a date. Our dads are identical twins.”
Sutton brightens. “Ooh! I’d love to hear that story. A twin switcheroo!”
I stand abruptly and nearly trip over Felix. My cat manages to always be underfoot when I least expect it. “I have to go buy some flowers.”
“Go get ’em!” Harper cheers.
Sutton gives me a thumbs-up.
I rush from the room before I can lose my nerve.
Cal
I get home from a long walk to find Mackenzie sitting on my front porch, holding a bouquet of white roses. “What’re you doing here?” My voice sounds harsher than I mean to because I’m shocked. I pushed her away so hard, and she’s here with flowers. No one’s ever given me flowers before.
“Giving you these,” she says, handing me the roses. “White roses are for new beginnings.”
I take them from her, unsure what she means.
She gives me an uncertain smile. “There’s a card.”
I pull the card from the small envelope and read: Can we start over?
I stare at her, speechless. A sliver of hope pokes in, prodding me to talk to her. See where this goes. “Come in.”
I lead the way into my apartment. A few moments later we’re on the sofa. She tucks a leg underneath her. I realize I’m still holding the roses and set them on the coffee table. I don’t have a vase. Never needed one.
“Sutton says you’re in love with me,” she says.
I suck in air. Dammit. I never said that.
