I debate on making myself a cup of coffee, but I should try to get some sleep tonight and not become completely nocturnal.
We come back inside and as I get back in my room I see my phone light up. When I check it I fear my time avoiding Parker is about to come to an end.
Parker: If I told you I had a cat emergency and wanted you to come over to help, would you believe me?
Lily: No, probably not.
Parker: Well, you should.
Lily: I remember you being a lot smoother when we were younger.
Parker: That’s because I was trying to impress you.
Lily: And you’re not now?
Parker: Nope. Just a man that needs help from an animal expert.
Lily: I’m a lot of things, but not sure an animal expert is one.
Parker: What if I say please?
Lily: Try and see what happens.
Parker: Will you please come help me with my evil cat?
Lily: Almost…
Parker: What am I missing?
Lily: I’d take a “Queen Lily.” Or a “Your majesty.” Something of that variety to consider.
Parker: I’ll call you whatever you want if you come over.
Well, that shouldn’t make me feel some type of way, but it does. I can just imagine the way his deep voice sounds saying that to me. And then I think of what else he could call me. The way he says my name when we’re together. Or “Lil.”
Lily: Fine, but if I need a rabies shot that’s on you.
Parker: She doesn’t have rabies.
Lily: I meant from you.
Parker: I’ve missed you.
I’ve missed him too.
CHAPTER 24
Parker
I’ve been ridinga high since Lily and I kissed. I’ve had a permanent smile on my face since it happened. My coworkers noticed and have given me so much shit but I don’t care. I’m truly happy and not just faking it for the first time in years.
When Lily left for school, I would go back to the spot in that empty field by myself and just lay in my truck bed looking up at the stars hoping she would come back to me. Wishing on every single light in the sky that she would be back. But she didn’t.
Instead, she stopped replying to my texts, and when she came back home for Thanksgiving it was like a switch flipped. She didn’t want to talk to me, avoided me at all costs. Even when I tried, she told me to go away.
And I did.
Like an idiot.