Page 63 of Love at First Ink

Izzy nodded, her long, honey-colored hair bouncing in her enthusiasm. “We will add you to the group chat. Just be warned, it can get crazy.”

“I think I can handle that.” Marisol grinned. Izzy handed her the phone, and she quickly typed in her number before handing it back. Izzy added her into the group chat.

“Everyone text her who you are so she can save the numbers,” Stella said.

“Oh, good idea. I hate getting thrown into group chats and having random-ass numbers texting me. Like who am I talking to? Marco from HR or the cutie from Cubicle 23,” Antonio said.

“I’m the cutie from Cubicle 23,” Paul said proudly.

All their texts came in at once, and Marisol half expected her phone to power off, never having seen this much engagement before. She saved their numbers and had to agree with Antonio. It was nice knowing who you were texting and not just seeing a random number.

“And with that, our monthly meeting has concluded. Same place next month?” Stella asked.

“Well, we probably want to meet a few more times between now and the fundraiser. So, let’s just check our calendars and wait for Marisol to give us updates?” Blaine suggested.

The table murmured their agreement and stood up. Marisol quickly got out her purse, grabbing a twenty. Before she could leave it on the table, Stella stopped her. “Blaine’s dad owns the restaurant. He feeds us for free. Oh! He might be a good person to ask about the fundraiser. Maybe he’ll want a booth to sell food at. Blaine and I will talk to him.”

Shoving her wallet back in her purse, she got up and followed everyone outside. She found out quickly that she was amongst a hugging group because everyone hugged her goodbye and told her it was nice to meet her.

“I’ll text you soon, Marisol. Thanks again for your help. I can’t tell you how much we appreciate it,” Stella said. Blainestarted to lead her to the car but shot a smile over his shoulder, which she returned.

Marisol’s mouth hurt from smiling as she walked back to her car. Making friends as an adult was hard, and especially when it had never been her strong suit. But she thought maybe she just earned herself five new friends.

It was a pretty damn good feeling.

CHAPTER 27

Marisol

Baby.

Damn, I like when you call me that. Whatever it is you want, yes.

Did you send me these flowers?

There should have been chocolates too.

*Sends picture of half-eaten box of chocolate*

Ah, perfect. Save me one.

I won’t.

Why did you send these? Ilove them, obvs.

Because I’m proud of you. I want to spoil my girlfriend. Insert a thousand other reasons.

Okay, I’ll save you one chocolate.

Marisol smiled at her phone and looked back up at the beautiful floral arrangement on her kitchen island. It had all her favorite flowers: marigolds, roses, and angel’s breath. She didn’t think she’d ever told Cisco her favorite flowers, but she had these throughout the house. If he cared enough to pay attention—which he did—it wouldn’t be hard to figure it out.

That was the thing about Cisco, though: he genuinely cared about every aspect of her life.

Last night, after leaving the restaurant where she met up with the other volunteers, she had instantly gotten into her car and called Cisco. She told him everything and didn’t stop to breathe once. She didn’t even think she allowed him to get a word in.

Even when Marisol pulled up to her home, she stayed in her car for another hour just talking to him. Cisco had seemed a little distracted, but when she asked about it, he just said he was tired but so excited for her. Since she had no reason not to take him at his word, she believed him.

He hadn’t been able to come over last night, which made her feel strangely lonely in her own home. Sure, she had Snowball, who was a great cuddle partner, but she still missed the hard, warm presence of Cisco next to her. Was this what being in love felt like? She felt so out of her element but wasn’t scared like she normally was when big life changes came at her. This time she was excited to see what the future held, as long as Cisco was in it.

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