Atkins
I laughed and typed out a reply.
Let me check with Deacon. It might not be able to happen yet
Sigh. Fine. Remember dinner tonight. Pizza sounds great
Done
Then my phone beeped with a text from Deacon.
Dad reminded me that our clinic is closed Christmas Eve, so I have the day off. I know the store will be busy so I can help if you need
I could have hugged my phone.
Yes please and thank you! You’re the sweetest boyfriend ever for offering. I really appreciate it
Then without thinking, I added a heart emoji and hit send before I could stop myself.
I mean, it was just an emoji. It didn’t have to mean anything...
Except it did.
I wondered how he’d take it. I wondered if he’d overthink it, just as I was overthinking it on my end.
“What’s wrong?” Evie asked. “You’re staring at your phone in horror. Is everything okay?”
“I sent him a heart emoji,” I whispered. “By accident. He’s seen it but hasn’t replied.”
“Is it a lie?” she asked. “I mean, I send heart emojis all the time. It doesn’t have to mean anything, but if you love him...”
“I do,” I said.
“Then don’t revoke it. If he questions it, tell him.”
I grimaced; my impending spiral was imminent in three . . . two . . .
My phone beeped with a message.
From Deacon.
I may have let out a high-pitched keening sound that concerned a customer enough to look at me.
“It’s fine,” I said. “I’m fine. Everything’s fine.”
I turned my phone around for Evie to see, and she grinned when she saw the heart.
Then, for some stupid reason, my eyes burned and I wanted to cry. “I’m fine,” I said again, waving my hand in front of my face. “Totally fine.”
Thankfully I had customers to help, which was a great distraction, and I managed to get a lot done in my office while Evie manned the service counter. I kinda lost track of time when there was a quiet knock on the door. I looked up to see Deacon standing there, smiling, nervous, cheeks flushed. He was wearing that blue coat again with a sweater underneath, his hair tousled, no doubt from the beanie stuffed into his pocket.
My god, he was so handsome.
I stood up. “Oh, hey.”
“Hello. I seem to be making a habit of stopping in unannounced. I apologize if it’s inconvenient.”
“No, it’s perfect,” I replied, breathless for some reason. “I’m always happy to see you.”
