Unsure of the right words, she sent a blushing emoji.
How’s your sister?was the next text.
Fine. She used to say things likesame as alwaysorthe usualwhen her dad asked, but at some point, that started to feel disrespectful.Finewasn’t exactly full of description and could even be looked at as off-putting, but it was the truth. Michaela was fine. She’d always be fine. She’d never be more than fine.
Good. Diner in the am.And then a GIF of a cat working on a laptop came next.You’ll be there?
Her heart did that thing that writers called skipping a beat. She was pretty sure that’s not what actually happened, but it did kind of feelthat way. And hers always felt like that when she knew she was going to see Cherry again soon.
I’m always there, she texted back, added an emoji with swirly eyes, and then she made herself a reminder to snag two extra biscuits when they came out of the oven for her. Cal wouldn’t mind. He never minded. He liked Cherry, too.Having a good night?
It’s Taco Tuesday, so YES.Several tacos followed, enough so Ellis laughed through her nose.
Jelly over here.
Bouncing dots and then,You’re invited to the next one.
I’m in, she typed back.
A few more back-and-forths and then Cherry got a phone call and had to go. Ellis went back to the book, but her focus was gone by then. Her head was filled with nothing but creamy skin and sunset hair, and it made her happy when she thought about how often that happened.
“Well, that’s quite a smile you’ve got there, my friend.” Evan stood in the doorway of Michaela’s room, leaning on the doorjamb, arms folded across his chest. His dark skin made the lime green sweater he wore pop, and Ellis was so glad to see him, she jumped out of her chair and almost lost the laptop. Once it was put safely on a table, she threw her arms around him and hugged him close. “That’s the best greeting I’ve gotten from anybody in a long time. Including my wife.” Evan laughed and Ellis inhaled his scent, a combination of his aftershave and whatever fabric softener he and Kendra used on their laundry.
“I feel like I haven’t seen you in weeks,” she said, not wanting to scold him, but knowing it kind of came out that way.
“I know,” he said and bowed his head for a second. “Work has been kicking my ass. I’m sorry.”
“Forgiven. I’m just so happy to see your face.” It was true. She was close to Kendra. Loved her. But Evan was like a brother and a best friend all rolled into one. They’d clicked immediately, both of them knowing they’d be friends for life. No idea why or how, just that itwas.
“Hey, Mikey,” he said and gently grabbed one of her toes, gave it a little wiggle. “How’s your day going?” Something else she loved about him—he always, always said hello to Michaela. She probably couldn’t hear him. Likely had zero idea about it or concern if he didn’t say hi, but he always did. He never treated her like she was just a body lying there in the room.
“You here to pick up Kendra?” she asked, glancing at her watch and then widening her eyes. It was later than she thought, and she had to get home to feed Nugget.
“Yes, ma’am, but I wanted to come and see my two favorite sisters.” He took a seat. “And I wanted to see how things were going. A little bird told me you’ve been seeing somebody pretty seriously. True?”
He was hurt she hadn’t talked to him about it. She could see it on his face. And honestly? She felt guilty about that.
“It’s happened so fast, though,” she said, and it was the truth. Something she tried not to think about for fear of sending herself into a panic. “Like, crazy fast.”
He shrugged. “Doesn’t matter if it’s right, you know?” He seemed to study her face, to look into her eyes as if trying to find something. “Is it right?”
“I mean…” She nibbled on the inside of her cheek. “I’m afraid to say.”
“Don’t wanna jinx it.”
“Exactly.”
“Fair enough. But you’re smiling pretty big and you seem lighter. So I’m gonna guess that it’s feeling right.” He held up a hand. “You don’t have to say it.”
“You get me.” And he did. It was part of why they got along so well. She rarely had to explain herself to him.
“I like seeing you like this.” He waved a finger up and down in front of her. “Looks good on you.”
“What does?” How was she acting any different?
“The smile. The spring in your step.”
Her smile grew wider. She could feel it. And she knew that Cherry had altered her demeanor a bit, but she’d had no idea it was visible to other people.
