Page 100 of Book and Ladder
“That’s sweet.”
“He answered.”
“He did? That’s so cool!”
“Yeah … and we kept exchanging emails.”
I can tell the moment Winona’s wheels start to turn. “And you’re going to meet him?”
“Yes. Supposedly. Here.”
I don’t mention the fact that he lives in our town. I’m ridiculously protective of him and his anonymity. Even him agreeing to meet me here is more than I could hope for—but it’s a risk to him and everything he’s built.
“At this corn maze?” Winona’s eyes are wide and her mouth pops open.
“Yes. Here.”
“And you’re supposed to be dressed like Buttercup, holdingThe Princess Bride?”
“The costume was an afterthought. The book was his idea.”
“Oh. My. Gosh!”
“Shhhh,” I warn, despite the fact that we’re basically alone.
People continue to enter the corn maze, but they’re not paying any attention to us.
“So, you just plan to stand here all night waiting for him to show?”
“I hadn’t thought I’d be waiting very long.”
“Maybe he had a change in plans. Have you checked your email?”
“It didn’t occur to me.”
Winona taps her temple. “That’s why you have me.” Then she shakes her head and points her finger at me, wagging it with her words. “I can’t believe you’ve been hiding a secret like this from me.”
I shrug. “I know. It just seemed surreal. And I didn’t know it would progress this far. And I need to help him protect his anonymity.”
I’m already grabbing my phone out of my farmgirl apron to check emails and DMs.
A new notification flashes. My chest squeezes. I silently beg,please don’t let this be goodbye.
Chapter 27
Patrick
Dating is about finding out
who you are and who others are.
If you show up in a masquerade outfit,
neither is going to happen.
~ Henry Cloud
I sent M&Ma quick message before I left my house.
