Not asking for much, huh? I guess I understand why you want me as your backup now. But isn’t 40 a bit early to give up on your dreams of fictional love?
From: [email protected]
I still want to have kids. So, if we hit 40 and are still single, it’s you and me, baby. And before you ask, we will do IVF, thank you very much.
From: [email protected]
So romantic, Mia. I feel so honored to have been chosen to be your life partner if we both crash out and burn in trying to find real partners!
But time for me to get back to work. Speak soon.
Your maybe soon-to-be hubby,
Luke
chapter one
Mia
Luke
Call me now.
“Demanding much, Luke?” I mutter under my breath as I smile at the message on the screen.
I tuck my phone into the back pocket of my favorite faded blue jeans. Luke will have to wait ten minutes. I’ve just gotten to work, and I need to help my best friend Juniper set up our mobile bookstore, Salty Pages, for the day. The sun already feels warm on my face, and I’m thinking that I should have worn shorts instead of pants. I already know it’s going to be one of those hot Coconut Beach summer days that the tourists love to complain about.
Beep.
I pull my phone out of my pocket again.
Luke
I need to talk to you. It’s important.
Mia
Give me ten minutes. Just got to work.
After I text him back, I start putting up our store signs.
“It is so hot today,” I mumble to Juniper as she writes a welcome message on our black chalkboard sign.
“You can say that again.” She waves her hands in front of her face and grins.
“If it’s slow in the afternoon, I’m going to take a swim in the ocean to cool off.” I laugh.
“You just wanna stare at the hunky lifeguards as they sit in their huts,” Juniper says, and I just grin back at her.
Nothing beats jumping around in the waves while watching hot men with six-packs contemplate whether or not you need rescuing.
Beep.
