Page 14 of A Beginner's Guide to Forever
“You’re missing out. You have no idea how good these are.” I hold up the half-eaten cookie.
“I’ll take your word for it. What else do you miss while you’re here?”
“My family,” I admit. “But now that my father has retired, my parents have more time together, which is a good thing. They’ve gotten into playing pickleball. I also miss my best friend, Scarlet.”
“What’s she like?”
I take another nibble from the cookie. It’s the best cookie I’ve ever tasted. “She’s married with two kids ... and has another on the way. She desperately wants me to come home for the baby shower. I miss lots of important milestones when I’m away, but she’s always been very supportive of my career.”
He nods. “That’s nice.”
He’s asked me all kinds of questions, and I realize I really haven’t asked him much about himself. It wasn’t by design, but I don’t want him to think I’m self-absorbed. “Do you have a best friend back home?”
“I do. My closest friends are Whit and Isaac. And my cousin Hayes, though he’s a bit of a handful.” He pulls out his phone and shows me a picture of him with a group of guys his age at a picturesque golf course.
A group of good-looking rich boys ... a handful ... you don’t say.I smirk.
“Where was that photo taken?”
“Scotland. Boys weekend last year after we graduated.”
“From?”
“Yale.”
“Impressive.”
“If you change your mind about the flight, it’s wheels up at three tomorrow.” He stands and borrows a pen from my desk and writes his phone number down on a Post-it note.
“I won’t. But thanks again for the cookies.”
“Till next time, then.”
I give him a quizzical look. “You think there’s going to be a next time?”
“You don’t?” he asks, smiling. The intensity of his gaze makes me feel uncomfortable, and I look away first.
Joslyn’s words come rushing back to me.I think he has a crush.
I watch his retreating form as he exits. The width of his shoulders. His casual stride.
Then I help myself to another cookie and contemplate which is more dangerous—Hart or these cookies.
Chapter Five
Break Out of Your Comfort Zone
London, England
I’m in my hotel room on Wednesday morning, towel drying my hair when I get a text.
Unknown number:Did you enjoy the cookies?
I stare down at the phone, amused, and I shake my head.
Alessia:Who is this?
Unknown number:Your secret admirer.
