Page 46 of Just a Wrong Turn

“No, no… I know you’ve moved on. Your new friend… girlfriend… She's really pretty. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything.” Abigail wiped her eyes and stood behind the cart handle, pushing away from him.

“Abigail, wait.”The experiment worked!Miller strode toward her. “Hey, I miss you too.”

Stopping, she looked into his eyes. “How? You… you already have someone else.”

Miller ran his hand through his hair. “I… I don’t… really. Liza… She's just a friend. I can explain, but can we do it somewhere else?” Miller looked around. Their conversation had attracted the attention of an elderly couple, a woman Miller recognized as his fourth-grade teacher, and a mom with two boys in her cart. “Can we grab coffee tomorrow?”

Abigail nodded, her red-rimmed eyes cutting into his heart.

“I’ll text you and we can find a time. I’m glad we ran into each other.”

“Me too.” Abigail smiled sweetly.

Miller took a step backward, still facing her. “I’ll text you.” A balloon inflated in his chest. He couldn’t keep his mouth from exposing his teeth like the Cheshire cat.

Chapter 19

Liza

StandingbytheWalmartexit with her tampons hidden safely in a bag, Liza scrolled through her photos. She managed to snap a few candid ones of Miller browsing at the Bargain Boutique. They’d be perfect to post in her stories. He looked so handsome. The fact that he never tried too hard—or at all—was incredibly attractive.

She caught a figure rushing toward her. Miller almost crashed into her. Grabbing her shoulders he quickly led her out the automatic doors. “Miller what’s going on…” she laughed. “Are you okay? Where are the things you needed to buy?”

He moved his hand to her lower back and practically pushed her to his truck. It wasn’t until they were a few blocks away from Walmart that he finally spoke.

“You… The experiment… It worked!” Miller giggled. Yes, hegiggled.

“What do you mean?” Liza laughed in return. She’d never seen him like this. He reminded her of a fifth-grade boy trading for a Pokémon card he really wanted.

“Abigail! She was at Walmart. In the dairy aisle. She said she misses me. She wants to meet up. We’re gonna get coffee tomorrow.” Miller pulled up to the curb in front of her apartment building. “I think I’m gonna get her back.”

He was so giddy, it should have been contagious. Liza let her face mirror his, but inside her stomach twisted.

“That’s… sublime Miller. I’m so happy it worked. I know you have to get back to the rescue, so… I better go. But seriously, have a great time at coffee.” Liza grabbed her purse and opened the door. Conjuring her brightest voice, she said, “Keep me posted!”

When Liza shut the apartment door behind her, she let herself slump onto the couch. She was suddenly exhausted. And… sad. The experiment worked, which was a good thing. Miller was going to get Abigail back. He was happy, so happy.

Liza opened Instagram and looked at the photos she’d posted of the dogs—of Miller. She smiled thinking of her time at the rescue. It was almost over. And now that Miller was getting back together with Abigail, she was once again dateless.

Should I try to find someone else to be my plus-one?Liza grabbed a blanket and curled into a ball. She didn’t have the energy to think about it tonight. Cramps were setting in and she just wanted to sleep away all the emotions.

Grabbing her phone, she texted Miller: “Hey, I’m not feeling well. I don’t think I’m gonna be able to make it in tomorrow.” Yes, the cramps were bad but hearing Miller gush over Abigail… She couldn't stomach it.

Miller getting back with Abigail meant she was losing him. They wouldn't remain friends. Miller only allowed himself to open up to one person at a time. And now, Abigail was that person.

A notification popped up on Liza’s phone. It was a response from Miller.

Miller Brooks:I’m sorry to hear that. Is there anything I can do?

Liza felt a sad laugh bubble up as she responded.

Liza Eckland:No, unless you can go back in time and give men uteruses instead.

Miller Brooks:I can’t help there, but I do have good news. I received applications for Willow and Murphy. Their potential adopters are gonna come meet them tomorrow.

Liza Eckland:That’s great! Oh I’m happy for them. I hope they get adopted!

Miller Brooks:Me too. Thanks for putting their pictures on Instagram. That’s how the adopters found them.

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