“It’s exactly like yours, Dad.”
He nods approvingly. “Finn’s a good one. I like him.”
“I like him too,” I whisper.
“Then you better tell him what’s going on.” Mom’s voice is firm. “Because I like him too, and I want to see those girls again.”
My parents keep me company while I eat two bowls of soup, fussing over me through the phone screen, before they hang up, demanding I talk to Finn.
I settle back into my spot on the couch to text him. Everything is still too raw to hear his voice and explain my thoughts right now.
Millie:You went so far beyond what you had to with the soup. Thank you. You have no idea how much it means to me. Can I come by your office tomorrow?
Finn:You’re welcome. And you can always come by. Are you feeling better?
Millie:A little bit. I’ll tell you more about it tomorrow.
Finn:I wish you were here. My bed is cold without you.
Millie:Same. Your blanket is warmer than mine.
Finn:That’s the only thing you like here?
Millie:Also the morning espresso.??
Finn:Is that really it?
Millie:Oh! I forget about my mixer! I like that too.
Finn:You’re still a wicked little temptress.
Millie:Yeah, but you like it.
Finn:So much, stella mia. I’ll see you tomorrow.
Millie:Goodnight.
The front door bangs open as I send the last message, and Lena storms in, with Emil and Micah hot on her heels.
“Millicent Phoenix Oaks.” Lena stops in front of me with her hands on her hips. “Are. You. Sick?” she demands with a tight jaw.
My eyes flick to Micah, and he winces. “Sorry, Mills.”
I purse my lips, and that’s all the confirmation Lena needs.
“Damn it,” she huffs. “You needed us and didn’t tell us.” She turns to jab a finger in Micah’s chest, and he flinches. “Andyoushould’ve told me the second you knew.” She narrows her eyes at Emil. “How long have you known?”
He lowers his eyes, and Lena growls in response.
“Completely ridiculous,” Lena shouts, throwing her hands in the air. “Are we even friends if we don’t have each other’s backs?”
The guilt is burning through my veins again, threatening to make me sick.
“Well, Millie only told me—” Micah starts.
“Don’t even,” Lena cuts him off. “You should’ve told us immediately. Our girl needed us.”
Micah scratches his cheek and nods in understanding.
