Page 112 of Missed Notes (Rixon High 5)

“Dr. Peters said Dr. Jeffries is one of the best in his field. You’re in good hands, sweetheart.” He kissed my head. “And I’ll always, always, be here for you.”

We stood like that for a few more minutes before he said, “So Cole Kandon, huh? I never saw that coming.”

“Really, Dad?” A small laugh bubbled up inside me.

“What?” He shrugged. “He’s just so… and you’re so…”

“Actually, he’s pretty great.”

“Oh yeah? So this thing between you… it could get serious?”

“I don’t know, maybe.”

“Oh, you like him, don’t you? My little girl is in love.”

“Dad!” I swatted his chest. “That’s not—”

“As long as he treats you right and makes you happy then that’s all I can ask for.”

“He does, Dad.” My lips curved.

He really, really does.

Aaron appeared in the door. “Hey, what’s going on?”

“Nothing, Son. Just having a little heart to heart with your sister.” He smiled, a picture of calm and composure. But Aaron didn’t look convinced.

“Right,” he said, glancing at me and back again. “Well, it’s only a flying visit. I need to get changed and then I’m taking Poppy out. You and Cole want to come?”

“Seriously?”

“Well, yeah. Wouldn’t have asked if I didn’t mean it.” He moved around us to get to the refrigerator.

“Uh, I can ask him if you want.”

“Sure, let me know. I’m leaving in about thirty.”

Aaron strolled out of the room without a second glance.

“That was weird, right?” I asked Dad.

“I think that was his way of telling you he’s good with you dating his best friend.”

“Yeah.” I smiled. “I guess it was.”

CHAPTERTWENTY

Cole

“Penny for your thoughts?”Mom asked, pushing a plate of freshly baked cookies toward me.

“Thanks, these smell great.”

“And your thoughts? You’ve been checked out for the last ten minutes.”

“We need to talk, Mom,” I said.

“This is about Drexel?”

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