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That night,I’m on the couch with Ruffy sprawled across my feet—all seventy pounds of him—when my phone buzzes.

The Bookaholics Anonymous group chat. Of course.

Jo:Ladies. I just got the most beautiful flowers from Levi. He said Delilah made them. They’re gorgeous.

Michelle:Levi went to the flower shop?

Amber:Interesting timing since he literally never buys flowers.

Jessica:Scott mentioned Levi seemed “different” after their talk. More open.

Hazel:Different how?

Jessica:He used the word “hopeful.” Which for Levi is basically a marriage proposal.

Jo:Wait. Did he go to see Delilah specifically?? Using flowers as an excuse???

Amber:The man’s a songwriter. He’s supposed to be romantic. Flowers as a cover storyis pretty basic.

Jo:Delilah. We know you’re reading this. Spill.

I stare at my phone. Ruffy lifts his head, interested in my elevated heart rate.

Me:He bought flowers. For you. That’s literally all that happened.

Jo:But how did he seem?

Amber:Did he say anything meaningful?

Hazel:Did the air feel charged?

Jessica:Ignore them. But also...did it?

I think about Levi at the counter. The way he looked at me when I said first drafts are worth something. The way he said Ruffy was lucky to be chosen by someone who understands that trust takes time.

Me:He met my new dog.

Jo:You got a dog???

Amber:Priorities, people. Dog first. Then romance.

Hazel:What kind of dog??

Me:German Shepherd/Chow mix. His name is Ruffy. He’s perfect and he ignores everyone except me.

Jo:Did he ignore Levi??

Me:He gave Levi a very thorough stare-down. Then decided he wasn’t interesting enough to worry about.

Jo:Competition for her affection. Ican’t breathe.

Hazel:Jo, breathe.

Michelle:Can I say something that might not be popular?

The chat goes quiet for a beat. Three dots from Michelle.

Michelle:I like Levi. I do. He’s been nothing but kind since he got here. But he’s leaving in a couple months. He has a whole life in LA. And Delilah just got settled. She’s building something real here for the first time in years. I just don’t want to watch her get swept up in something that has an expiration date.