Page 74 of Yours, Unexpectedly

I’d love to see you!

Good. That was super chill. Not at all desperate.

I put my phone down and adjust the setting on the heating pad, groaning because there’s a fine line between the perfect amount of heat and giving myself a third degree burn.

Luci walks through the living room on her way to yoga. She’s been quiet lately and I really don’t want whatever happened with Gabe to affect our friendship.

“Hey, Luce, I love you. Hope you have a good yoga session!”

She jumps a little bit. “Oh man! I didn’t notice you there! Why are you in the dark?!”

“The lights were too far away and I was comfortable. Do you mind flipping a few on? I’ll probably hang out right here until Anders comes over later.”

She gives me a small smile while she walks around and turns on two lamps. Finally, she comes around the back of the couch and gives me a weird one-armed head snuggle. “I’m so happy for you,” she says into my hair.

“Thanks, Luce.” I squeeze her arm. “I’m here when you need to talk.”

“I know.” She keeps her head right where it was so I can’t see her face. After she’s presumably pulled herself together, she pops a quick kiss on my head and walks out the door with a wave.

I barely have time to settle back onto the couch when the door opens again, this time letting Riz in.

“Did you see Luci on your way in?” I ask, in lieu of a greeting.

Riz puts her backpack and water bottle down at the kitchen table. “Yeah, I saw her. I’m worried about her—she’s never this… I’m not even sure how to describe it. Down? Is she depressed? She’s still getting out of the house, so that’s good.”

I lay my head back, rubbing my hands over my eyes. “I’m worried too, but I feel like all we can do is make sure she knows we are here if and when she’s ready to talk.”

Riz rounds the couch and sits next to me, very familiar with what a bitch my period can be. I lean my head over onto her shoulder, double checking non-verbally if that’s okay. She just scoots closer and pats her shoulder.

“You don’t have a secret relationship I need to know about, do you?” I ask, almost as a joke but also who knows around here anymore.

Riz laughs in response, though, showing me I have nothing to worry about. “You know I’m not really a relationship person. There was this girl but she got too clingy, and I decided I have enough clingy women in my life.” She says this while playfully nudging me with her elbow.

“I resent that! You know Luci is the clingy one. She’s a hugger. I just like an occasional snuggle.” I sigh before saying my next statement, which I know will set her off. “You know, I do have two other brothers.” I sit up so I can watch Riz’s eyes roll to the back of her head.

“Ugh, you are not trying to set me up with one of the twins right now. Especially after we found out that the Bardot men tend to have the emotional maturity of a toddler!”

“Come on! Jules isn’t that bad. He’s definitely my favorite.” I smile my full Cheshire cat smile and drum my fingers together. “We could be sisters!”

“First of all, I already consider you a sister. Second of all, Jules and I are too similar. Two moody and grumpy individuals together would just bring each other down. And if you even suggest Ben, I will disown you. That man is a hazard to society.”

“Someone doth protest too much…” A laugh explodes out of me when Riz launches a pillow right at my face.

“Speaking of hazards to society…” she mumbles. “It must run in the family.”

“Fine, fine. I won’t try to set you up with one of my brothers. Just promise me, no secrets! Tell us if you’re dating someone.”

“So you both can interrogate them within an inch of their life?” She huffs a laugh. “Yeah, we’ll see about that.”

She pushes to standing, making sure to tuck the blankets back in around me. “Need anything else? I’m going to go to my room and study.”

“No, I’m good. Anders will be here in an hour or so, so I’ll probably just curl up here until then. I have my kindle and the TV remote so I could last here for hours if necessary,” I reply.

“Okay, just text me if that changes.” She ruffles my hair and heads down the hall, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

An hour later, I’ve completely disappeared down the rabbit hole researching social work positions in New York City. I’ve kind of just assumed Anders wants to go back there after graduation—something I should probably clarify—but I’m not sure how to do that without being awkward.

Also, is it weird to be thinking about moving with him if he does go? I mean, I guess I could stay here and we could do long distance.