The phone call ends, and I stare at my phone with dismay.
What the fuck has Greg done?
If he’s cheated on her, I’ll rip his balls off.
Deep down, I know it’s that because my best friend is stronger than anyone I know.
Her voice too…
I shudder.
Looks like I’m killing him.
I stir my noodles, realising I need to text Crane.
Shit.
My heart drops, but I know he’ll understand.
It’s Kiki.
SIERRA: Hey. I’m so sorry, but I can’t make it tonight. Kiki needs me, and it seems serious. Can we reschedule?
My heart hammers in my chest when the three dots show me Crane’s typing, and I bite my lip anxiously.
Declan can’t stand Kiki, nor her him, so I’m glad he’s working tonight. Otherwise, he’d be moaning about me cancelling plans with him.
CRANE: Of course. Is she okay? Do you need me?
Oh God.
What aperfectresponse.
I’m tempted to tell him that yes, I need him, but Kiki doesn’t even know Crane is back, plus she probably hates all men right now.
SIERRA: I’m good I’m sorry, though.
CRANE: Me too. I’ve missed your smile.
Oh no.
My fingers fly across the screen, and my heart responds before my brain can catch up.
SIERRA: Really? You missed me?
What the hell am I doing?
This is wrong; it’s cheating. Well, it’s not, but the thoughts I’m having certainly are. My fingers grip the phone as I wait for his response like a teenager, grinning when the three dots dance across my screen.
CRANE: Every day. I hope Kiki is okay; let me know when you want to meet up again.
Every day?
I can’t…
I force a forkful of noodles into my mouth to stop my fingers from typing without consent, but I can’t stop grinning.
Crane missed me every day.