Just then my phone buzzed and I snatched it up so fast I nearly dropped it, my heart rate kicking up when I saw Harper’s name on the screen.
Freckles
I got the fellowship. Still can’t believe it.
The restraint in her message made me smile. She was probably freaking out on the inside—Harper never didanything halfway—but trying to play it cool. This was a huge accomplishment. She should be dancing around her whole house celebrating right now.
Me
Fuck yeah you did!! I knew you would. Your original piece was amazing.
Her response came almost immediately.
Freckles
They actually loved it. Said it’s what set me apart from the other applicants.
Me
Of course they did. You’re fucking brilliant, Tins.
I hesitated, staring at the shortened version of her name. I’d never used it before, but it felt right. Then I sent another text.
Me
I’m really proud of you.
The three dots appeared, disappeared, then reappeared.
Freckles
Thanks. That means a lot.
“Good news?” Gordy asked, and when I looked up, he was watching me with amusement.
Sam and Liam had matching smiles on their faces, and I realized belatedly I was grinning widely, beyond stoked for Harper.
“She got it,” I said, unable to keep the pride from my voice. “She actually fucking got it.”
“Was there ever any doubt?” Sam asked. “Your girl’s got talent.”
“She’s not my girl,” I said automatically, even as the idea sent a bolt of longing through me.
“She could be,” Liam said, walking over to drop onto the couch next to me. “If you’d stop being such a chicken.”
I glared at him. “It’s complicated.”
“Life’s complicated,” Gordy said with a shrug. “Doesn’t mean you don’t go after what you want.”
“You think I should go over there?”
“Doyouwant to go over there?” Sam asked, that know-it-all smile still on her face.
I glanced at the baby monitor. Rory was asleep upstairs.
As if knowing what was holding me back, Gordy said, “We got Rory.”
Liam jumped up from his seat and disappeared back into the kitchen, returning quickly with a bottle of leftover champagne we’d gotten after winning the championship.
