“She’s your sister. Of course you feel like that. But it’s not your fault.”
“I know, but it still feels like I should have done something to prevent this. I mean, she fought with her boyfriend and ended up at the bottom of the stairs. It doesn't take a genius to read between the lines there. Right? I could vomit thinking about it.”
I can feel my own blood boiling. I have never met Noli in person, but I love her because Poppy loves her, and if I ever cross paths with this Nelson character, well…I’d like to give him a piece of my mind.
“I’m so sorry.” My apology feels measly.
“Not your fault either. Actually, you’ve reminded me that therearegood men out there, and for that I’m more grateful than I can say.” She checks her watch. “I don’t have long. I have to get to the airport or I’ll miss my flight, but I couldn’t bear the thought of leaving without saying goodbye. I know in the movies the girl would dip out and the guy would be left in the lurch, wondering what happened or where he went wrong, but I had to see you before I left to tell you that you did nothing wrong. You did everything right. I don’t know what the future is going to look like, but my feelings for you are real, and—”
I cut off her babbling with a kiss. Quick and firm and sure. She grips the front of my t-shirt as I spear my fingers through her hair, the loose ponytail she always wears coming further undone.
I know I have to let her go, butgosh,I don’t want to let her go.
I ease us out of the kiss, and Poppy takes a deep, shuddering breath. It’s then she registers Holland.
To be honest, I’ve forgotten about him too.
She shifts out of my embrace and holds up her hand in a small wave. “Holland, uh, hey.”
Holland swings his head between the two of us. “Sorry to hear about Noli,” he says, and then he gestures at me and then at Poppy. “I didn’t know… I mean, you two…”
Poppy and I exchange semi-guilty looks, but I keep a tight hold on her hand.
“Yeah,” Poppy says.
“We weren’t anything when you two were together,” I add.
“Of course not.” Poppy sounds offended that anyone would think that, but I know my brother.
He’s staring at us with nothing but a bewildered look on his face, so I don’t know what he’s thinking. I don’t care much at this point, either. Poppy has bigger concerns. I’m about to usher her back to her car, but Holland’s face cracks into a wide grin. “You know what? I think it’s great. I’m going to take credit for it, as a matter of fact. Bet you’re glad I put you up to those emails now, aren’t you?”
He steps forward and slaps me on the back.
I close my eyes, suddenly nauseated.
“What emails?” Poppy asks. I can sense her impatience. She wants to get to Noli. Why are we doing this right now? Also, why didn’t I think to mention the fact that I was the one behind Holland’s email account?
“You know, the H. Bradley Pro account? Mack was replying to you for me.” Holland has the wherewithal to look bashful. “I’m sorry, Poppy, but I was too busy. It looks like it all worked out in the end, though. You two are sort of perfect for each other.”
Poppy drops my hand, and the look that she gives me is full of confusion. “You read my emails?”
I nod. “I should have told you. I—”
“Oh, whoa. You didn’t know. Oh, gosh. Foot meet mouth.” Holland slaps his forehead.
“Poppy, please. I’m sorry.”
A myriad of emotions washes over Poppy’s face in quick succession. I spy uncertainty, hurt, more confusion, and a flash of anger. “I can’t do this right now. I have to go.”
I reach for her, but she puts her hands up in astopsign. “No. I-I’m not sure what to think.” She meets my gaze, and I hate that my actions are the cause for the pain in her eyes. “I thought I could trust you, Big. But this doesn’t feel good. I can’t think about it right now.” Her voice cracks, and she bites her lip. “I’ll…I’ll be in touch.”
She spins around, and I want to make her stay. Make her stand still until I can convince her that she can trust me. I want to tell her I love her.
But that would be selfish. That would be for me.
What Poppy needs is to get to Noli.
So I do the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I let her go.
