I grin at my phone and then remember the look on her face afterwards.
So you’re not upset at me for kissing you?
Again, she takes longer to respond than I’d like, but when she does, it’s simple…
Poppy
No.
I wait, hoping she’ll elaborate, but she doesn’t and I decide to leave it at that.
Until Mrs. McGregor comes around the corner and sees me smiling at my phone. Her lips lift.
“It’s nice to see you smiling,” she says.
I smile at her. “I don’t do enough of it, do I?”
“No, I’m afraid not. What has you smiling now?”
I hesitate and then just say it. “Poppy Keane.”
“Ahh,” her smile widens. “I like her. A lot.” She leans in conspiratorially. “You know, I can watch Becca for a little while if you want to take Poppy out or…whatever.” Her eyes twinkle. “Since Becca’s been going to Briar Hill so much, I’ve missed spending time with her.”
I consider it and then shake my head. “She probably doesn’t want to see me tonight. I kind of…botched things up with her earlier.”
Her brow lifts. “All the more reason to go see her.”
I look at my phone again. “I would like to clear the air.”
“Okay, well, let me know. I’ll just go say hi to Becca.”
“Thanks,” I say, and she nods, walking down the hall.
I start typing and press send before I can talk myself out of it.
Do you think we could talk?
Poppy
Now?
Yes. In person, preferably. So I don’t find a way to be even more confusing than I already am.
Poppy
LOL. You are pretty confusing.
Noted. And I agree. I confuse myself. Mrs. McGregor said she could watch Becca for a little bit. We could get coffee or ice cream or…popcorn.
I shake my head. Popcorn? I’m clearly not cut out for human interaction.
Poppy
I can’t say that I’ve ever been asked to get popcorn, but sure. I have popcorn here actually. Do you want to come over?
Yes.
Poppy