Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 101163 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 506(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 337(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 101163 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 506(@200wpm)___ 405(@250wpm)___ 337(@300wpm)
Sighing, I force my attention back to the lemonade and pep-talk myself not to look over at him like a crushing schoolgirl.
But I’m so crushing on the man.
Yesterday, he spent his free time at the hospital with me and Aiden, sneaking out at some point after Aiden and I fell asleep. I woke up around one a.m. and decided to head home. I was disappointed at first to see Boone gone, but I couldn’t expect him to stay all night. He only had the awful straight-back chair to sit in.
But then I saw the paper on top of my purse. I grabbed it and moved closer to the open door for the hallway light and practically swooned when I saw the drawing he’d done of me and Aiden sleeping. I knew right away he must’ve done it on his iPad and likely had it printed at the nurses’ station. I couldn’t help but be entranced by the magic of his perception of the relationship I have with my brother. It was the most romantic, beautiful, thoughtful gift anyone has ever given me.
On the back he had jotted, When I go to sleep tonight, I’m going to think about this moment, knowing that I captured the essence of love.
My eyes cut over to Boone. I can’t help it. Thinking of that drawing, his words… I want to go wrap myself up in him for eternity.
“Those look like some deep thoughts.”
I startle and turn to see Harlow. She might have a mask on, but her flaming locks make her easily recognizable. I smile sheepishly at my friend and set down the jug of lemonade. I move around the table for a hug. “I didn’t know you were going to be here,” I exclaim. I look around and even though I wouldn’t be able to recognize him, I ask, “I assume Stone is here?”
Harlow nods over to the group of guys standing with Boone. “Right over there with your guy.”
My responding grin is far too dopey that she referred to him as my guy.
Harlow laughs. “It’s adorable how you two are trying to figure out your way in this relationship.”
I chuckle. “My life has been very strange the last several weeks.”
She squints a little, indicating a smile under her mask. “Outside of your father, I’d say a lot of those strange things have been good.”
“Yeah,” I say softly, happiness warming me inside and out. “It’s been a lot of good things. Aiden’s bone marrow is recovering, Boone coming into my life… Even my dad going into rehab. All good things.”
Harlow nods in understanding. “Boone told Stone and me that your father decided to go into an inpatient program.”
I nod, pressing a hand down on the table. “I’m really happy he’s there. Of course, it means he’s missing Aiden’s birthday, but anything that can help him stick to his recovery is the better choice. Aiden understands that too.”
“The fact your dad wants that is the best thing he’s got going for him. Have you and Aiden looked into Al-Anon yet?”
I huff out a frustrated breath and shake my head. “I’m the worst daughter and sister in the world. I just haven’t had time with everything else.” I shoot a guilty look over toward Boone and turn back to Harlow. “And that’s not even true. I could take the time I’m spending with Boone and arrange a meeting. I did ask the social worker in the hospital and there are meetings here.”
Harlow squeezes my elbow. “Don’t you dare apologize for not going yet. It’s a tool only, not a requirement. And you deserve the time with Boone. Besides that, you seem to be doing just fine.”
“I hope so. It finally feels like I can breathe a little easier.”
“Oh,” Harlow drawls as she looks left. “Looks like your honey is coming this way.”
I glance over and see that Boone is indeed walking toward us. Harlow gives me a quick, hard hug. “I’m going to say hello to your birthday boy and mingle. Then I’m going to stuff my face full of cake. Let’s you and I get together when you have a breathing moment. I’d love to get to know you better.”
“Same,” I murmur. And I marvel at another change in my life. I’m building actual friendships with women I can talk to, rely on and hopefully one day, go out and have fun with.
Boone reaches me, glancing at Harlow’s retreating back. “I didn’t mean to interrupt you two. Where’s she scurrying off to?”
Laughing, I nod toward the cake table. “Eventually to get a slice of sugary goodness.”
Boone stands beside me and I’m shocked to my core when his hand slides along my back and grips my opposite hip, pulling me into him. It’s not a kiss, which would be difficult to pull off given we’re both wearing masks, but it is a clear sign to anybody who might be watching that we are a couple.