That night,I’m on the couch with Ruffy sprawled across my feet—all seventy pounds of him—when my phone buzzes.
The Bookaholics Anonymous group chat. Of course.
Jo:Ladies. I just got the most beautiful flowers from Levi. He said Delilah made them. They’re gorgeous.
Michelle:Levi went to the flower shop?
Amber:Interesting timing since he literally never buys flowers.
Jessica:Scott mentioned Levi seemed “different” after their talk. More open.
Hazel:Different how?
Jessica:He used the word “hopeful.” Which for Levi is basically a marriage proposal.
Jo:Wait. Did he go to see Delilah specifically?? Using flowers as an excuse???
Amber:The man’s a songwriter. He’s supposed to be romantic. Flowers as a cover storyis pretty basic.
Jo:Delilah. We know you’re reading this. Spill.
I stare at my phone. Ruffy lifts his head, interested in my elevated heart rate.
Me:He bought flowers. For you. That’s literally all that happened.
Jo:But how did he seem?
Amber:Did he say anything meaningful?
Hazel:Did the air feel charged?
Jessica:Ignore them. But also...did it?
I think about Levi at the counter. The way he looked at me when I said first drafts are worth something. The way he said Ruffy was lucky to be chosen by someone who understands that trust takes time.
Me:He met my new dog.
Jo:You got a dog???
Amber:Priorities, people. Dog first. Then romance.
Hazel:What kind of dog??
Me:German Shepherd/Chow mix. His name is Ruffy. He’s perfect and he ignores everyone except me.
Jo:Did he ignore Levi??
Me:He gave Levi a very thorough stare-down. Then decided he wasn’t interesting enough to worry about.
Jo:Competition for her affection. Ican’t breathe.
Hazel:Jo, breathe.
Michelle:Can I say something that might not be popular?
The chat goes quiet for a beat. Three dots from Michelle.
Michelle:I like Levi. I do. He’s been nothing but kind since he got here. But he’s leaving in a couple months. He has a whole life in LA. And Delilah just got settled. She’s building something real here for the first time in years. I just don’t want to watch her get swept up in something that has an expiration date.
