Talon
Yep. Everyone knows naming a pet is best done together. Preferably while eating takeout. (Not sushi.)
Livvi
Now that you mention it, I think Ihave heard that.
I get off work at 5.
Unfortunately, the rest of the afternoon crawled by. My attention span was nonexistent, and by the time I shut down my computer, I’d reread the same email three times and still couldn’t have told anyone what it said.
I left work with a ridiculous smile plastered on my face and sat in my car for a minute before starting the engine. My thumb hovered over my video messaging app before I finally hit record.
“Okay,” I said into the front-facing camera, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “You are not going to believe this, Calico.”
I readjusted in my seat, propping my phone on the steering wheel so I could use both hands to talk, like I always did when I got excited.
“Remember that conversation I told you about the other day—the one where Talon admitted he was struggling with his dad’s lack of support and the pressure of swimming and making the Olympics before it’s too late?” I grinned, unable to help myself. “Well, yesterday I showed up at his apartment with a fish.”
I paused for dramatic effect, then burst out laughing at Cali’s imaginary expression.
“Yes. A fish. Reminding him of my great advice per Dory, you know, ‘Just keep swimming.’ And he already had that big empty tank, so why not? So last night we got her all set up in his apartment.”
I was grateful no one could hear me. It was a tad embarrassing how excited I was.
“Okay, but here’s the kicker. He texted me today to tell me she survived the night—obviously, because she’s a fish, but it was cute—and then he invited me over tonight to name her.”
I made a face at my phone. “We’re apparently naming her together. While eating takeout. Which I am one hundred percent not overthinking. Except I definitely am.”
My smile softened as I leaned back in my seat. “And, okay, this might sound crazy, but he’s … different lately. Softer, I think? Less intimidating, sexy swimmer, more … secretly has a good heart. And it’s messing with my brain a little, because at the same time,TheWriteGuyand I stayed up talking half the night. I’m starting to feel like my life is turning into some kind of slow-burn romance novel, and that’s just crazy because that’s not reality and I don’t have time for …”
I trailed off, heat creeping up my cheeks even though there was no one around to see me. “Anyway. That’s my update, and I’ll chat with you later.”
I ended the recording and tossed my phone onto the passenger seat before pulling out of the parking lot, my pulse fluttering with a mix of nerves and excitement.
At home, I changed out of my work clothes three different times before settling on something casual-but-cute—jeans and a V-neck that made my eyes look more golden. My reflection in the mirror looked a little too eager, but I told myself it was fine. I’d just keep reminding myself this was a casual hangout. A perfectly normal fish-naming hangout.
When I walked out of my room, Roxie was standing at the kitchen counter, cutting up an apple with the precision of someone who had way too much time on her hands. She’d grown up with every luxury and convenience, and now that she was trying to do things on her own, she was learning how to fill her days—and figure out independence—without her family stepping in.
She glanced up, her gaze flicking to my outfit, causing one perfectly sculpted eyebrow to arch. “Where are you going?”
I took a breath and tried for casual. “Just over to Talon’s for a bit.”
Roxie’s knife froze mid-slice. “Talon? As in so-sexy-it-should-be-illegal swimmer Talon?”
“He’s notthatsexy,” I said automatically, then winced. “Okay, maybe he is. But he’s more than just his looks and talent once you get to know him.”
Her mouth curved into a slow grin. “Uh-huh. And you just happen to be getting to know him while looking like you’re about to star in a dating-app commercial?”
I grabbed a throw pillow off the couch and tossed it at her. She ducked easily, laughing.
“We’re just naming his fish,” I insisted, heading toward the door.
“Is that what the kids are calling it these days?” Roxie called after me.
“Rox!” I groaned, but I was smiling as I grabbed my purse.
Checking my phone, I saw that I had a new text message.
