Me
You’ll never guess what just happened.
Addison
What?!
Me
Bash brought me lunch from Perry’s restaurant and it just so happened to be my favorite dish.
Addison
HOW THOUGHTFUL
MARRY THAT MAN
I roll my eyes. I know for a fact she had something to do with this. I don’t even have to ask, and I won’t because she won’t tell me anyway. But it still makes me smile.
Me
Not all of us get to have the epic love story you and Perry do. Sorry Adds.
Addison
Says who? I’m fully invested in the situationship you two have going on.
Me
There is no situationship. There’s nothing between me and Bash
Addison
Then why were his eyes glued to your face that day at church? And you kept looking at him, too. There was no hiding those stares, Rom.
Me
I’m getting back to work now.
Addison
You know the saddest part of your stubbornness? You’re keeping a good woman from someone out there. I feel bad for the man who’s missing out on your amazing-ness
A tiny knot forms in my throat as I read her last message. Not because of the compliment, even though it feels so good to know she thinks I’m amazing. But the idea that I’ve become so hardened to anything close to falling in love—and all because of Cole—makes my heart ache.
He doesn’t get to influence this much of who I’ve become. He doesn’t deserve that power.
Maybe, just maybe, I could lower some of my internal walls just an inch, but no more. Closing my eyes, I silently pray,God, if it’s your will, please help me do this for the right person and no one else.
I take a steadying breath as I clean up my lunch mess. When I head back to my station, Bash is organizing my tools. My scissors are neatly arranged on my tray, and he’s oiling my favorite pair of clippers.
“You don’t have to do that.”
His gaze cuts to mine. “I know.”
There they are again, those annoying butterflies making me feel giddy and lightheaded as they swarm my insides. Why does he have to be so sweet? And that voice, so deep and calming. And those arms…
Bash looks me over. “Enjoy your meal? You look a little better.”
