Page 106 of More Than Pen Pals

She makes an excellent point. “Yeah, I think you’re right. I don’t feel nearly as stressed about it now as I did before.”

“But you still want to date him down the road?”

“Definitely. Now, what do you think about me trying to be friends with Melissa?”

“I don’t think there’s any harm in it. Who knows? You might end up being best friends.”

“Wouldn’t it be funny if we did?”

“For sure. By the way, I got signed up for the Realtor conference, and Beckett is on board to come with me. I made us reservations at the Drake Hotel.”

“Wow! That’s fancy.” And expensive. “Can I stay with you?”

“That’s the plan.”

“Excellent.”

“It’s good to hear you sound content. Our last few phone calls worried me a bit. I almost decided to drive up to see you this weekend. I still can, if you want me to.”

Tears fill my eyes, but for once they’re happy tears. “No, I’ll be fine. But I love you for wanting to come take care of me.”

“Promise you’ll go out and do something fun this weekend.”

“I will. Wendy and I are going shopping on Saturday, and I’m hoping Melissa can join us for dinner.”

“Good deal. Okay, kiddo, I gotta run, but I’ll talk to you again soon. Thanks for keeping me updated.”

“Bye. Love you.”

“You, too.”

I don’t know why I’m nervous about calling Melissa, but I am. When she doesn’t pick up by the third ring, I think she won’t answer, but then she does.

“Hi, Melissa?” I reply to her greeting.

“Yes. Who’s this?”

I take a deep breath. “My name is Leslie Beckett. I’m—”

“Ash’s Leslie.”

I feel a prick in my chest. “I guess so. Yes. Did he tell you I might call?”

“No, but I did talk to him twenty minutes ago.” She sounds courteous but guarded. I figure I should get to the point.

“Okay. I know he canceled on you for Saturday—because of me—and I want to make it up to you. He told me you recently moved back home to Chicago, and I’m new to the city, so I thought we should get to know each other. Would you like to go to dinner with me and a friend on Saturday?”

She’s silent for a few seconds and then lets out a soft laugh. “I guess I can’t bow out by saying I already have plans, can I?”

My heart sinks. “No, but I understand if you don’t want to go. This is a totally oddball thing for me to do.”

“I think it’s kind of sweet. I can see why Ash likes you so much. I’d love to go to dinner with you and your friend. Thank you for asking me.”

“Really?”

“Really. Now, where should I meet you and when?”

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