Page 44 of Friends Don't

“Speaking of living life to the fullest… Are you?”

I walked right into that one, I guess. I readjust my position in my chair but don’t say anything.

She lets out a triumphant puff of air. “That’s what I thought.” After a beat, she adds, “My life is fun.”

I can’t help but wonder if she’s trying harder to convince me or herself.

“I didn’t mean to overstep. I’ve observed you the past couple of weeks, and I think you do a lot of living for others.”

She opens her mouth as if to argue, but I hold up my hand.

“It’s a good thing—don’t get me wrong. But I was asking what you do for you. What fills up your tank and gives you the energy to be such a catalyst of joy for other people?”

Poppy blinks at me for a few long seconds before she dips her chin. “I guess I’ve always focused on what I can do for others because it’s been essential to keeping my family afloat. Thinking about myself seems selfish and unnecessary. Noli and Rose have always come first, and that’s translated to my work and other relationships too.”

My mind flashes to Holland. How he’s on the receiving end of her efforts. Does he appreciate her? Does he recognize how much she’s going out of her way to care for him?

“There’s a difference between selfishness and taking care of yourself.”

Poppy twists her lips to the side, as if she doesn’t know if she buys it.

“You can’t keep burning for others if you don’t add oil to the lamp.”

Poppy snorts. “Was that an electrician analogy?”

I make a face. “A dated one, maybe.”

Poppy grins at me. I can only see the shadows of her face in the dim light, but I’m glad to know I didn’t offend her completely.

“I liked it,” she says. “I better turn in. Another busy day tomorrow.”

“Sure. Hey, if you and Rose are free, some of us are meeting around seven to swim at Wool Beach.”

“Wool Beach?”

“A local treasure.”

“Sounds…warm. And sheep-y.”

“No sheep.”

“Goats?”

“Not that I know of.”

“Camels? Rabbits?” She pauses dramatically and widens her eyes. “Mammoths?”

“Are you trying to impress me with your knowledge of wooly creatures?”

“Is it working?” Poppy grins back, and my stomach swoops to my knees, leaving my midsection tingling. Poppy switches gears. “Just so long as there aren’t any turtles.” She shudders.

“I make no promises.” My lips twitch, and I try to ignore that sensation in my gut. “I’ll text you directions. You should come. You know, live a little.”

If I’d been standing next to her, I would have nudged her shoulder. But thankfully, I’m not. Because that would have come across as flirty and playful. I can’t be flirty and playful with my brother’s girlfriend, even if she is making me feel…feelings. Long dormant feelings. It’s inappropriate.

“Yeah, yeah.” She sticks her nose in the air playfully. “I’ll see if I can squeeze it into my schedule, around all the other fun I’ll be having. Night, Big.”

“Night, Boo.”

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