“Give here. Come now, give it back.”
I slap the phone into his palm, still smiling.
He’s smiling too.
We’re back.
Happy, close friends.
Good. Fine.
Only thirty-three days to go and they will fly by.
Why am I not relieved by that?
And why are his hands still shaking?
31
BEN
Damn it, man, get it together. Honestly!
32
JANIE
“I heard your house looks amazing!” Harper says sweetly from behind the counter.
“And I heard you went all venomous dragon on Aiden Vanderwell.”
“Venomous? Wait,Vanderwell?”She blanches. “Like, the university and the children’s hospital? That Vanderwell?”
“You think Ben is besties with a Vanderwell who isnotbillionaire American royalty?”
“Oh no.”
I chuckle, “I’m sure whatever you said, he deserved it.”
She relaxes a little bit and I can see her brain remembering whatever scene unfolded here while I was sick. I watch emotions play out on her gorgeous face, shock, embarrassment, anger, acceptance. Adorable. She shakes to clear it all from her head.
“So, will you try again with Ben and your Gran?”
I look away, “No. It was a dumb idea.”
“It wasn’t.”
“It was, Harp.” I lower my voice and lean closer. “Seriously, what was the point trying to introduce her to a guy who won’t be around after a few more weeks?”
“Don’t you mean five years?” She whispers back.
I roll my eyes. “He won’t be here, in Juniper Falls like it is now. I’ll have to see him annually or mayyyybe for holidays.”
“Sorry, Janie, but I don’t believe that and I don’t think your subconscious does either, which is why you wanted to introduce him to her. He’s important.”
I sigh, “You’re just a romantic.”
She sighs back, purposefully, “You’re just a cynic.”
