"It wasn't intentional," I said truthfully. “I think I just realized it. And I’m basking in all its glory.”
She flashed me a smile. “As you should.”
“I’m also a tiny bit afraid.”
“You’re my sister. I know. But do me a favor and focus on how happy you were a few minutes ago, okay?”
I grinned. “That’s not too hard because I’m stillsupremelyhappy. But that doesn’t mean I can’t work too, so I’m going back to my desk now.”
Emma pouted. “Party pooper.”
I went back to my spreadsheet. I could hardly keep my thoughts from wandering, but an hour later, I finished my work and moved on to my inbox.
I groaned. At the top of my inbox was an email from Jared.
“What’s wrong?” Emma asked.
“Jared wrote back. I sent him an email semi-threatening legal action if he doesn’t deposit my paychecks, and he just gave me the same response, to pick them up myself. The moron. I’m gonna go there as soon as possible and bust his ass. And I’m gonna take pepper spray with me this time.”
“You think that’s enough?”
“It has to be. I need that money, and I’m gonna get it.”
“Why don’t you ask Tyler?” she suggested. “You said he offered, right? I bet no one’s gonna try robbing you if you’ve got a mountain of a man next to you.”
“Iwasthinking about asking him to come with me,” I admitted.
“Whoa.”
“It’s just… I feel safe when I’m with him, you know? And not necessarily in the sense that he keeps me safe, butIfeel stronger.”
To my astonishment, my sister’s eyes filled with tears. “I’m happy you found someone who makes you feel that way. Did you talk to him about it?”
“No, he’s got to focus on the upcoming games right now. I’m going to wait a while.”
“Don’t wait too long, though.”
“I know, and it’s not like I can afford to anyway. Paying for the damage to the basement ate up all my money. I’m mad at myself for feeling afraid to go there. I mean, I worked there.”
She stared at me. “Yes, but last time you were there some guys asked for your wallet. God knows what would have happened if they caught up with you. I’d be more concerned if you weren’t scared of going back there.”
“Right. Okay. I’ll think about it. Let’s get back to work.”
Around lunchtime, a delivery arrived.
“Did you order lunch?” Emma asked me, carrying two boxes of pizza from my favorite Italian restaurant.
“No. I was just about to ask you what you wanted to have.”
At the same time, my phone chimed.
Tyler: Hey, babe. I hope your day is going well. Enjoy your lunch.
"Tyler sent it to us," I exclaimed, feeling like my heart was about to spring out of my chest. I was so happy that I could dance in my chair.
Emma fanned herself with her hand. “My God, this guy is in a league of his own, and I’m declaring myself his number one fan.”
“No you’re not. That’s me,” I exclaimed.
