Page 161 of Lose You Twice

“There is something to worry about.”

“Harlow.”

“I’m not telling him.” She lifts both hands slightly. “It’s your appointment. Your body. Your call.”

“Thank you.”

“But I think he’d want to know.”

“I know he would.”

“And?”

“And maybe I’m not ready to be looked at like something else he needs to take care of.”

Harlow’s face softens again because I know she understands exactly how I’m feeling. She was in that same place even just a few months ago.

I hate that too.

“He doesn’t see you that way.”

“I know.”

“Do you?”

I look down.

She lets out a quiet breath and doesn’t push.

That’s how I know she really means it.

My phone buzzes on the blanket between us.

I glance down.

Kai: you working today?

Wren: Unfortunately for you.

Kai: unfortunately?

Wren: I’m very distracting.

The dots appear almost immediately.

Kai: oh trust me, i’ve noticed.

I stare at the message longer than two words deserve. Harlow leans a little closer, trying to see my phone screen. “He said something cute.”

“No,” I say, yanking my phone out of her line of sight.

“He did!”

“You didn’t even see it.”

“No, but I saw your face.”

I laugh and shove my phone into my pocket before she can steal it. “I have to get to the rink.”