Page 75 of Dirty Plans

Somehow, I’ve got to convince Lily I can do this. I can be just friends with her—even if that’s the last thing I actually want.

Suddenly, an idea pops into my head.

I grab my phone and without questioning it, I type out a message. It’s stupid, but it might just do the trick to ease the tension and show her I’m all in as friends.

Before I can talk myself out of it, I hit send.

Then, I hold my breath, waiting to see what she’ll do with that.

CHAPTER18

Lily

Itip my Uber driver and meander to my back door, slightly tipsy and insanely frustrated.

How did I read London so wrong?

I was so sure there was something ... I mean, we almost kissed. Didn’t we?

Tears prick in my eyes and I blink them away, angry at their existence.

This is so stupid.

I shouldn’t be upset that he’s happy for me that my husband is back and he’s here to stay. Hell,Ishould be happy for me.

But I’m not.

This is so many shades of fucked up.

As I walk through the house, it’s clear Seth isn’t home yet. All of the lights are off and the house is quiet. It’s the vibe of the home I’ve come to know—and nothing like the strange energy it’s taken on since Monday.

Wandering aimlessly, I end up sitting on my couch in the dark. I can’t even be bothered to turn any lights on for fear their light will shed more judgment on me.

Suddenly, my phone buzzes in my pocket.

Sighing heavily, I tug it out, expecting to see another text from Tasia. She’s made it her mission to stick her nose in my business.

Instead, it’s a text from London.

My heart rate picks up and I shift on the couch so I’m sitting upright. With my index finger hovering over the notification, I steel myself.

What could he want?

Is it about work? Is he telling me not to bother coming tomorrow?

God, I hope not.

My ribs feel like they’re collapsing with the thought that he doesn’t want me back.

Quickly, I tap on the notification. My facial recognition unlocks the phone and I stare at his message.

Sock puppets are an underrated art form.

I blink a few times and read it over and over.

It’s the most random text I’ve ever received in my life and I don’t even know what to do with it. So, naturally, I have to respond.

Uhm, okay?

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