Page 28 of Wicked Love

“Poppy, those boys do more talking than all of us combined,” Elle says, laughing.

Tru nods, cracking up. “That’s the truth. And if they haven’t, I’m going to put a little bug in Henley’s ear to subtly get Bowie to open up. The poor guy needs to let loose and live.”

I think of the way Bowie’s whole body tensed when he saw me Saturday morning and agree that he might need to loosen up and live…but I’m not going to force him to do that with me.

CHAPTER NINE

BOX IT UP

BOWIE

Henley

We still meeting today?

Rhodes

Hell yeah!

Weston

I’ll miss you. But married life…guys! Highly recommend. 100/10

Penn

Miss you, brother. And I’m happy you’re happy, but dude! Bowie and I are not joining the cult. How many times we gotta say it?

For once…what Penn said.

Weston

You will never kill my hope.

Rhodes

What Weston said.

Henley

I wish Tru would marry me TODAY. Yesterday would’ve been better.

Penn

YOU GUYS ARE HOPELESS. I’ve gotta get off this thread right now because I’m gagging. It’s too early for shouty caps, and I’ll be late to Luminary if I don’t.

Luminary Coffeehouse is bustling. It always is on Saturday mornings, but today feels extra crowded. It’s been a long week and I’m dragging. I’ve been sitting with my dad a lot, hanging out with Becca every minute that I’m home, and trying my best to wipe Poppy Keane from my thoughts. It’s impossible and exhausting to even keep trying.

I wave at Clara and she motions that she’ll be right back with my Americano. Becca is with Mrs. McGregor this morning. They were working on an art project as I was leaving and Becca didn’t want to stop, so I’m meeting the guys alone.

I step into our room in the back—even Clara calls it our room now because, besides her, we’re the only ones who use it. Henley is the first to arrive and he’s nursing his drink, staring into space.

“You okay?” I ask.

“Hey. Yeah. Just tired. I had a meeting about the podcast that went late last night. It’s fun, but damn, I already miss the days of just playing ball.”

“We sure miss you out there.”

He smiles and leans back in his seat. “Thanks, man. I have to admit, my body is thanking me for stopping when I did.”

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