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And I wouldn’t ularly, either

“What are you thinking about over there?” Rusti asks “You’re blushing”

I wave her off, and I certainly don’t tell her Not that she doesn’t put two and two together, but I’ it out loud Because as soon as I do that, this thing with Wade will be over I’m almost sure of it

“Your phone is ringing,” she says, pointing atdevice on the table I pace over and pick it up “Hello?”

“Hello, Dara”

Wade’s voice is warm and s in his bed with his arm around me

“Goodhim out “Did you sleep well?”

“Until nine thirty”

I gasp like I’m shocked

“Very funny,” he says I know he’s s “Thanks for the donuts and the note”

I turn away fro facetious?”

“Me? Never”

I laugh “I’m sorry I snuck out I didn’t want to wake you, and I had a ton of edits to do this ht It’s a retire, which is really odd to include a photographer, but whatever They paid a deposit”

The line goes silent

“Wade?”

“Do you go to those things alone?” he asks, his voice hollow

“Yeah Usually” I pause “Why?”

He clears his throat “I’m just curious Is that safe?”

“I’ve done this for a decade, and it’s been fine I don’t book things that feel off”

I think he says okay, but I’m not certain

“What are you doing today?” I ask, redirecting the conversation

“Working”

“You’re kidding! I’m so surprised”

He chuckles “Smart-ass”

“Better than having a s of— it”

He doesn’t say anything And as the moments pass, I start to flush

Did I say the wrong thing?

Oh, hell I just said that in front of Rusti, and she’s not going to let that go

“Rusti is here,” I say “I probably need to go and ”

“Sure Yes Of course I just wanted to ht”

My cheeks break out into a full-blown s”

“Have a good day, Dara”

“You too, Wade”