Page 26 of The Wrong Date Deal

“That’s okay. I overreact all the time. Almost cried this morning when I realized I was out of cereal.”

“You did not.”

“I really did. I think I was dreaming about granola because the devastation was real.”

August smiled and felt some of the tension in her shoulders relax. Calling Piper had been the right thing to do. “I’m sorry about the granola.”

“Thank you. I appreciate your thoughts at this difficult time.” She laughed lightly. “So, your turn. What’s going on?”

“He’s just been hard to contact lately. It’s not like him. And he hasn’t shown up at my place all week, but I can’t imagine he’s sleeping well at home, or getting much peace, because I feel like he’d mention that and be more available.”

“Right. Which is valid to be worried about.”

“I know he’s got work, and class, and studying, and sleeping, and his personal life, but I still just… worry.”

“I don’t think you’re overreacting.”

August blew out her breath. “No?”

“No. I think you care, and I think you’rereacting, which is completely normal.”

August nodded. Saying it out loud and not being judged or rushed to shut her feelings down really was helping. “Do you think he’s okay?”

“Yes. I’m sure he’s fine, but I also think a visit from you would brighten anyone’s day, so I think you’re doing the right thing heading over there.”

August smiled. “Flatterer.”

“Eh, I try. But it’s also true. I’m sure he’ll be happy to see you.”

“I really hope so.” She swallowed. “Especially since I’m here now, so…”

“So.” Her smile was audible. August had always loved that in people. “Let me know how it goes and if there’s anything I can do to help.”

August gripped the steering wheel tightly, her eyes snapping from Ford’s building to the phone mounted on her dashboard. “Hey, Piper?”

“Yes, August?”

“Thank you.”

“Any time.” That smile was there again. “I’ll talk to you in a bit.”

“See you.” August hung up feeling much better about the whole thing, but she also hurried from her car, unwilling to sit there too long and overthink.

In theory, you had to have a key or get buzzed into Ford’s building but, when she made it to the front door, August found it off the latch, wide open for anyone to walk in.

She pushed inside and headed up to Ford’s apartment. She’d only been there a couple of times. Ford preferred meeting at her place, and, while his was fine, she understood why. It wasn’t the nicest apartment building she’d ever been in and he had roommates, but that was student life, wasn’t it? She’d been there too, once upon a time.

She knocked on the door when she reached Ford’s apartment, waiting when there was no answer and no sound of anyone moving inside. She tried again, calling Ford’s name.

Finally, there was the sound of groaning and shuffling from within. August frowned at just how thin the walls were. She imagined you could heareverythingyour neighbors were doing.

The door cracked open and a bleary Ford peeked out at her. “August?”

August relaxed. He was fine—if exhausted. “Hey.”

He opened the door fully to allow her inside. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to check in on you,” she said, stepping around him into the cramped living room. The small dining table in the corner of the room was strewn with books that looked distinctly like someone had been sleeping on them. “Ford, were you asleep at the table?”

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