Would you still love me if I were a popsicle?
I hit Send before the fear tears through me. I saidlove. Oh God … like anidiot. Obviously, he doesn’t love me … right?
This isn’t love?
Right?
He doesn’t respond right away, and it only raises my anxiety tenfold. I can’t believe I sent that without rereading it or thinking about my message for longer than a second.
I suck in a breath, holding it as his message comes through.
My Masked Valentine: I’d be devoted to you no matter what you are or who you become. I’m yours, My Little Cupid, and you’re mine. No matter what …
Ifinish gushing about my most recent text exchange with My Masked Valentine to Kerrigan over a quick lunch, and she listens with hearts in her eyes.
The thing about my friendship with Kerrigan is that we don’t have secrets and we don’t believe in TMI. No information is too private or tooanythingwhen it comes to us.
“Ahh, you’re in loooove.” Kerrigan swoons, her hands clasped and tucked between her shoulder and neck. “I guess God really does have favorites.”
I roll my eyes, grinning like a kid on Christmas. “Oh, stop it. I am not.”
The ache in my chest that only exists when I think of him thrums intensely, my cheeks burning in response. I like him, more than I think I’m even ready to accept, butI’m not ready to saylove, not until I see his face and know who he really is.
My phone buzzes on my desk, and my heart skips a beat before I even lift my hand and flip it over.
It’s a message from my dad.
Dad: Still planning on being your dad’s date to the gala tomorrow?
My heart expands, and a smile tugs at my lips.
I love him so much. I know that I’m his lifeline, and I’m honored to do my part. I’ve been his built-in date my entire life, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. He’s the best dad in the world, and even though he’d never admit it, I know that having me at his side makes the night a little easier for him.
He’s going to have to watch everyone and their partner enjoy the evening while he’ll be remembering his late wife, my mother. No matter how much time has passed, I still find the same painful sadness in his eyes that I’ve seen since my childhood.
If my dressing up and sitting through a fancy dinner, speeches, and auction brings him an ounce of comfort and happiness, then I’m honored to be there.
I wouldn’t miss it
Dad: Want me to pick you up? Or I can send a car
Whatever’s easier. Or I can get a cab
Dad: No, scratch that. I’ll pick you up
Sounds good. How’s your day going?
Dad: Pretty good. Just getting ready to head into a meeting. Call you later?
Sounds great. I love you
Dad: I love you too
I set my phone down as Kerrigan tells me about this hot guy’s application she just came across.
“Is it wrong if I match him withme?” she asks, studying his pictures on her phone. I can practically see her planning their future together in her eyes.
“Ethically? Yes.” I laugh after stating the obvious, which she already knows.
