Page 52 of The Comeback Summer

“You sure?” Josh asks.

I nod. “Thanks for the water.”

“Anytime,” he says, flashing me that golden-boy smile that would probably let him get away with murder. Literally.

I watch as he runs off, his long legs taking him up the hill. He’ll catch up with Hannah in no time. I don’t know if I can trust him to keep his promise, but I also don’t know what other choice I have.

My bladder constricts, reminding me I need to find both a bathroom and air-conditioning.Stat.I take out my phone and order an Uber.

While I’m waiting for Richard to pick me up in his blue Impala, my phone buzzes. I smile for the first time all afternoon when I see it’s a message from Adam.

ADAMR:Serious question

My stomach drops. Has he realized the woman he’s been talking with is not the woman in the picture?

HANNAHF:I can’t promise a serious answer...

ADAMR:What’s your opinion on gefilte fish?

HANNAHF:A solid 6 out of 10. Four points for flavor, and two for the tradition of it all.

ADAMR:Fair enough

HANNAHF:But if we’re rating Jewish holiday food, matzo brie comes in at a 9/10.

ADAMR:Syrup or sour cream?

HANNAHF:Always syrup

ADAMR:I knew I liked you

I swoon a little—he likes me. And I like him, too. For Hannah. She’ll love him.

ADAMR:I wanted to message you earlier, but the brunch crowd was rowdy today. The last group just cleared out.

HANNAHF:Brunching is serious business. And it’s not really brunch if it doesn’t cross over to lunchtime.

ADAMR:True! But if we’re talking about combining meals, I have to say I prefer breakfast for dinner instead of combining it with lunch.

HANNAHF:Breakfast is good any time of the day

ADAMR:Now you’re just trying to butter me up!

ADAMR:How has your day been?

HANNAHF:Not bad. Just heading home from a run on the lake.

I hit send, taking note of how nice it is that I am both telling the truth and acting like Hannah. But if he asks me to ratethe run, I’m going to have to give him Hannah’s answer (8 out of 10) and not mine (3 out of 10).

Oh well. I’d much rather be me right now, messaging Adam from the back seat of this Uber, than sweating out in the hot sun with Hannah and Josh.

That asshole better keep his promise.

Crush Your Comfort Zone

THE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE COMPANION JOURNAL

WEEK 4

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