Page 80 of The Only Thing That's Real

He’s quiet for a moment, making me wonder if he heard the lie in my voice. “It’s okay if you’re not.”

“I know, but he’s with grandma now. He hasn’t been the same since he lost her. It’s for the best.”

“Still, I’m so fucking sorry, Ryan.”

“Thank you.”

“I wish I was there with you.”

He’s offered to come more thanonce. I’d give anything to have him here with me, but his schedule is packed for the next three days, and I would never ask him to choose between me and the band and his obligations.

“I know, but I’m okay. Well, I will be. It’s nice being in your place. It’s kinda like you’re here with me.”

“It’s not the same.”

“It’s not, but it’s something,” I say with a yawn.

“Go get some sleep, baby. We’ll talk tomorrow. Just know I’m thinking about you and your freckles while you’re gone. God, I love your freckles.”

“And I love your Superman chin.”

We’re using freckles and chin dimples to profess the feelings we haven’t confessed to each other yet.

“You do?” he asks so low he sounds shook by my confession.

“More than you know.”

A heavy exhale fills my ear as he takes in my meaning.

“Get some sleep and dream about me.”

I always do.

“Okay, talk to you tomorrow.”

“Sweet dreams, baby.”

Chapter Forty-Two

Knox

Knox

I hate musicals.

Ryan

I’m allergic to shellfish.

Ryan’s face lights up my screen as she lifts her sunglasses to the top of her head. She looks tired, but I’m glad to see she’s outside enjoying the weather.

“Hey, baby. What are you up to?”

“I’m at the park about to meet your sister at The Shack for some soft serve.”

Thank you, Daisy.

I’m glad shecan be there when I can’t.

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