“We can try to mitigate the worst of it.”
“We may have to highlight some of the volunteer stuff you’ve kept me out of.” She flips a pen between her fingers.
“Can we do that only as a last resort?” Some of my charity work feels intensely personal, and like something I haven’t wanted to share with the world.
“Of course. But we can’t insulate Tally from your past. There may be some tough conversations ahead.”
“I know.” It’s one thing to talk about it; it’s another for her to have to deal with it in real time. “I just have to make the shitty parts worth sticking it out for.”
“We’ll come up with a plan. And backup plans for those plans.”
“Thanks, Hemi. I appreciate you.”
“And I appreciate that you’re not in the let’s-hide-this-until-things-blow-up-in-our-facesclub.”
“I’ve seen my friends go through enough shit. Felt like I didn’t need to repeat history.” But I do have one thing I’m holding on to. Eventually, I’ll have to share that with Tally.
“Amen to that.”
I leave her office, marveling that I’m still above ground, and head to the parking garage. Once I’m in my car, though, I realize I need bestie support.
On my way to Dred’s, I imagine what it would feel like to have Tally at my apartment again. How good it would feel to cuddle with her on the couch. To make dinner together…
I don’t allow my imagination to take it further. I want to be more to her than my past reputation.
Once I’ve parked at Dred’s, I slide my phone out of my pocket and pull up Tally’s contact.
The message I’m about to send will change everything.
CHAPTER 18
TALLY
My phone buzzes for the twentieth time in as many minutes. Cammie and Chase are picking up drinks, and of course everyone wants something different, and Mac is very particular. The guy is all about craft IPAs.
Except the most recent message isn’t from my Tilton friends. Or my Terror/Babe crew.
It’s from Flip.
I scream.
Enid’s bowl of popcorn nearly ends up on the floor. As it is, much of it spills into her lap. Thankfully she has a blanket draped over her bottom half, so it’s fairly contained.
“Did Flip text?” Enid clenches her teeth, as though she’s worried she jinxed me by asking.
I hold up my phone. “He did.”
“What did he say?” Fee asks.
“I don’t know. I haven’t read it yet.” My stomach is full of fluttery things.
“What are you waiting for? Check it!” Fee grabs my phone and holds it in front of my face to unlock it.
I tap on the new message and suck in a breath.
Flip
I hope you had a good day. I talked to your dad, and I’m happy to report that I still have all my teeth. If you haven’t changed your mind since this morning, I’d love to take you on that date.
