Page 75 of The Sexy Part
“Rowan, he’s in love with you. I know my son. He’s never been so happy before.”
I stare in shock for a moment. In love with me? He never said he was in love with me. It’s too soon for big heavy emotions that can devastate you.
“I have to go.” I turn and then turn back, giving her a fierce hug. “Thanks for everything.”
I hurry out the door, but I still hear her say, “I’ll miss you.”
Tears blur my eyes as I leave. I have to go home and pack. Where is home? I don’t even know anymore.
* * *
It doesn’t take long to pack up my room. I’ll have to hire movers to get my furniture out of Harper’s she-shed later. My friend Meg said I could crash with her at her apartment in the city. Yes, it’ll be crowded with her roommates, but if I don’t leave now, I never will.
Mackenzie’s downstairs working on her laptop. Harper went out for pizza. As soon as she gets back, I’ll break the news that I’m leaving.
I head downstairs, and Felix darts between my legs, nearly tripping me. I catch myself on the railing, my heart racing. That would’ve been a long flight of stairs to tumble down. “I can’t tell if you love me or you’re trying to kill me.”
He reaches the bottom before I do and walks off with a puffy tail shaking in the air. Guess he got freaked as much as I did by my tripping on him.
“Pizza’s here!” Harper announces.
Mackenzie sets her laptop aside. “Great, I’m starving. Did you get peppers and mushrooms?”
“I got peppers. No mushrooms because mushrooms are gross.”
Mackenzie turns to me. “Do you think mushrooms are gross?”
“No.”
“They’re fungi,” Harper says, heading to the kitchen. “Enough said.”
We follow her.
Mackenzie gets out plates and napkins. I get sparkling water for Mackenzie and pour tap water for Harper. I know what they like.
I join them at the table but don’t take a slice of pizza.
“You’re not hungry?” Harper asks.
My stomach growls in response. I press a hand to it. “I need to tell you ladies something.”
They both stare at me. “What is it?” they say in near unison.
“I’m going back to the city. Tonight and for good.”
“Why?” Mackenzie asks.
“Is this because of Cooper?” Harper asks.
My throat closes. I grab Harper’s water and take a sip. “It’s just time.”
“What did he do?” Mackenzie demands.
“Don’t dump us just because my cousin pissed you off,” Harper says.
“It’s just…it’s time. Thank you for everything.”
“Wait! Where are you going?” Mackenzie asks. “I thought you hadn’t found an apartment yet.”
