22. Makes me smile without trying
23. Knows exactly what to say
24. Makes family pandemonium seem... appealing?
Delete that last one.
But maybe keep it in mind.
I fall back on my suite sofa, staring at the ceiling. Through the wall, I can hear a family getting ready for bed—quiet voices, gentle laughter, the kind of domestic peace I've always run from.
Add to list:
25. Lives in a world of bedtime stories and morning routines
26. Makes me question everything I ever thought I wanted
My phone buzzes again. Jonas:
Also, Lukas wants you to know he's sorry about the laptop. He suggested we could fix it with his dinosaur band-aids
And again.
For the record, I told him electronics don't work that way, but he's very convinced about the healing power of T-Rex
Add to list:
27. His kids are actually kind of cute
28. I might be in serious trouble
The final text of the night:
See you tomorrow. I'll bring laptop options and coffee strong enough to make up for getting up early on vacation. Unless you've changed your mind?
The last thing I need is complications. The last thing I need is roots. The last thing I need is an attraction to someone who comes with two tiny humans and a whole lot of responsibility.
I text back:
I'll be there. But I'm not sharing my pancakes
His response is immediate:
Wouldn't dream of asking. But Jace's offer stands. She's very persistent. Gets that from her dad
Add to list:
29. Might be worth breaking a couple rules for
Delete that one too.
(But save it, just in case.)
Some predicaments requirea full-scale communication plan. I start with my best friend, because Lucy has talked me through every crisis since college:
SOS. Hot dad alert. Send help
Define 'hot dad.' Like, soccer practice hot or actual hot?
