Page 91 of The Dangers of Daydreaming

“Fine. What does that look like?”

Dad’s eyes widened just a hair. “I’ll stay as long as I can. And then… I’ll visit. And if you’d like, you’re always welcome at my place too.”

I gave a sharp nod, treating this like a business agreement. “Okay. I’ll be in Utah quite a bit once I take care of all this.” I gestured at my leg. “Maybe we can grab dinner.” I wasn’t about to agree to stay with the guy. Mountains aren’t hiked in a day, after all, especially with a broken leg.

“That sounds great, Finn. Really great.”

The door opened, and Gram stepped in. I wouldn’t have put it past her to have had an ear to the door, waiting for our conversation's resolution. Even now, she seemed to tuck away a smile. I’d let her have the win, even though I still wasn’t sure how I felt about her calling my dad.

“Christopher,” she said, coming up to him with a hug. “I’m so glad you were able to make it.” It might have been wishful thinking, but I’m pretty sure there was a reprimand in her voice.

“Hey, Mom.” Dad returned her hug, but his eyes stayed on me.

I nodded. He smiled.

And something… untied inside me. It felt lighter. Free.

Chapter 31

I Miss Him

Lucy

Isatinmyaunt’s backyard, watching the chaos around me with a smile on my face. I was happy just to be here in the sunny yard surrounded by family. I loved my family—always had—but for the first time since Mom and Dad had split, I didn’t feel like an outcast. And I wasn’t spending my time hoping to avoid any serious conversations with anyone about anything. It was nice not to feel so tightly wound. Like a loud fan I hadn’t noticed until it turned off.

In fact, I was kind of hoping someone would come over and spill some big news so I could fully embrace the moment. Mom and Brian were talking with Chloe’s mom—the aunt whose backyard we were in. Sadie, Dani, and Poppy were filling up drinks. Grandma Sue was in the middle of a conversation with Avery, who had thankfully not brought her fiancé—wait, no, maybe I should get behind those upcoming nuptials like I had with Mom and Brian’s. But bleh, I just didn’t like the guy. Well, maturing took time—I’d put Avery’s fiancé on the list and deal with him later.

Chloe and her newly reconciled love of her life, Holt, were in the middle of the sunlit yard, laughing at something Grandpa had said to them both. She was glowing. And I was jealous of the arm Holt had around her. Why did Finn have to live in a different country? And now he was in possession of a broken femur—it was, frankly, rude.

I watched themall as Avery excused herself from Grandma Sue. That furrow between her brows was deeper than usual, and she flexed her hands as she walked away. Was everything okay? Maybe my first big conversation needed to happen now.

I started to stand, but just then Sadie plopped onto the seat beside me, leaning back and shading her eyes with her hands. I turned to her instead, and before I could ask about the exasperated look in her expression, it transformed into a smile.

“Congrats on the promotion!” She wiggled her shoulders. “But more importantly, how’s Finn? And how areyoubeing away from him?”

My lips lifted. I had filled all my cousins in on the situation when they’d come to help me prep for the presentation. And of course, I’d told them about his fall only minutes after I found out.

“His Gram won’t let him call me again until he’s off his pain meds. We’ve been talking through her.”

She snorted. “Smart woman.”

I tapped my fingers on the table, ready to burst with my plans. I hadn’t wanted to say anything before—today was about Chloe and Holt. But Sadie wouldn’t be mad at me. She’d probably be more mad if I didn’t say anything. “Full disclosure… I bought a plane ticket.”

Her brows shot up. “Like… you’re running away? You’re eloping? You’re…”

“Visiting,” I cut her off. “I miss him.” I shrugged. Not able to keep from playing it at least a little easy, I added, “Also, Poppy hasn’t been working either time I’ve flown this month. Figured I’d give it another try.”

She ignored the Poppy comment. “You’re in love with him.”

I bit my lip. “I think I am.”

Her face split into a grin. “Lucy!”

“I know.”

“You are so sweet to surprise him witha visit.”

I tilted my head back, letting the sunlight splash over me. It was like a physical representation of how I felt: bright, warm, happy. “It’s more selfish than anything. I feel a little like I’m the heroine of my own book here, getting swept up in a grand love story. Maybe I should dictate my experience to Dani—she can put it in her next best-seller.”

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