Page 31 of The Disasters of Dating
I nod, not ready to analyze why I feel a sense of relief for not canceling my Sunday night flight. “Okay. I can handle the meeting.” I pause. “But won’t having my name attached to the paper trail be just as incriminating as yours?”
Evan shrugs. “You’ll continue to go by Keaton Lincoln. You’ll only use Barrington if you’re signing legal documents. But hopefully that won’t have to happen until we are nearing the finish line.”
I nod. “It sounds like a solid plan—or as solid a plan as we can have for something like this.” I twitch my lips to the side. “I’m sure you already know this, but there is a huge amount of risk.”
Evan nods, tapping his fingers together in front of his lips. “Trust me, I’m aware. But if we do it right, it’ll be worth it.”
“And if we don’t do it right?”
Evan sighs. “Then you may be putting that Yale degree to work somewhere else.”
“Nothing like a little pressure to start the weekend.”
Evan grins. “Why don’t you come to dinner? Dad’s working late,” he gives me a knowing look. That is completely my dad’s MO. And since my mom died, it’s only gotten worse. “And Lowell’s home for the weekend. I thought we could do a pizza and movie night.”
I nod. “Is Shay okay with this?”
Evan grins. “It was her idea.” His grin droops. “I think she’s missing her family.”
“So we’re the fill-ins until you move to Utah in January?”
Evan’s brow arches. “Do you mind?”
“Not in the least. I like Shay. You know that.” I waggle my brows. “Besides, being the stand-in family is worth it for free pizza and a movie night.”
I drop into the front seat of my car and pull out my phone. Evan and I had walked out of the office together, so I haven’t been able to look at Poppy’s text yet. I have to admit, I’m kind of happy she texted me back, even if it is by accident.
Poppy
Oh my heck! I’m so sorry!!! That was a total accident! Please disregard!!
I smile. I should be unhappy that she texted me by accident rather than on purpose. But this opens the door for me to text her back, right? Even if she doesn’t know who I am?
Are you sure it wasn’t your subconscious wanting to text me again? I’m the kind of guy that is hard to get out of your mind.
I wait for a minute, but when no reply comes, I push the ignition on my car and make my way out of the parking garage.
My phone dings as I turn onto the main road. I push the button for the message to be read to me, glad that my phone is synced to my car.
“Message from Poppy Ashcombe,” the stern, robotic voice says. “Unless your name is Pais, and we have been friends since preschool,you’re wrong. It was a total accident. I’m sorry if I interrupted something important.” There is a slight pause, and then the voice says, “Would you like to reply?”
I would like to reply, but I don’t want the AI to mess it up as it so often does. I pull over to the side of the road and pull my phone off the charger.
I’m choosing to believe it was your subconscious…And don’t worry, you didn’t interrupt anything.
I put the phone in my lap, but then pick it up again.
And if your subconscious is thinking about me and you want to text me again, feel free. I won’t mind.
I press send and then read it over. Winky face emoji? Really? Reading it over, it feels a little creepy. I should have done a smiley face. Although that feels totally lame, too. “Ugh,” I drop my head to my steering wheel and smack the side of it with my hand. No wonder she doesn’t want to keep texting me. She can sense I’m a complete loser.
I wait a minute more with no reply. Sighing, I check my mirrors before I pull back onto the road and head for home.
I shake my head as I merge onto the highway. I’m not sure why I feel so insecure with Poppy. I’ve had girlfriends before. I’ve even dated as much as the next guy. But Poppy feels different. And it’s not just her boho, earthy vibe. It’s something else, but I can’t put my finger on it. All I know is I like how I feel when I’m with her.
CHAPTER 11
POPPY
