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I hate this. I hate how awkward this is. Scratching the side of my head, I manage to get out, “It’s been something.”
This brings a small smile to her lips. “Hey, have you heard that after every soul-crushing breakup comes your next great adventure?”
I force a short laugh. “I have no idea if that’s fact or fiction.”
Opening the car door, she shrugs. “Neither do I.”
And just like that, she’s getting into the back of a fucking Ford Focus.
22
Claire
“Claire, wait!”
I’m about to step into the Uber but turn back to find Aiden walking toward me.
“Hey,” he says when he reaches me, suddenly looking less sure of himself.
Tilting my head at him, I try to fight my smile as I say, “Hey.”
“Give me your phone.”
Looks like we’re back to being rude again. “Um, why?”
He waves his hand impatiently. “Just give it to me.”
Slowly, I reach into the pocket of my dress and hand my phone over to him.
Rolling his eyes, he pushes it back into my hand. “Claire, you have to unlock it.”
“Oh, right.” I punch in the code and hand it back to him. “What are you doing?”
He doesn’t look up from the phone as he answers. “Giving you my number.”
My mouth opens in protest, but he cuts me off before I can say anything.
“Relax, will you? I’m not breaking your precious rule. I know you’re on this trip alone, but if you need anything, you should be able to reach at least one person in this garbage state.” He finishes saving his number and locks the screen before handing it back to me.
Pocketing my phone, I mutter, “Oh, um, thanks.” I’m not even sure why my first reaction was to tell him not to give me his number. It can’t hurt to have it saved on my phone.
Aiden steps away from the curb and gives me a casual wave. “Have fun finding your next great adventure, Claire Ackerman.”
I go to wave back to him, but he’s already turned and started walking the other way. Slowly lowering myself into the car, I can’t help staring at my phone screen with mixed feelings. The first thought my phone brings to mind is still Garret and his slew of messages. He hasn’t sent me anything since—which I’m grateful for—but my phone was starting to act as a constant reminder of the things he said. All it takes is one swipe to reread and relive one of my lowest moments, and considering I’ve been doing it all day, I must be a glutton for punishment.
Now, however, as I stare down at the dark screen, I’m not thinking of Garret. I’m picturing the dark-haired guy who just gave me his number, and instead of feeling pain, I’m struck with a small sense of comfort knowing that he’s still within reach.
? ? ?
I love my Airbnb.
The adorable two-bedroom space has tons of windows that I’m sure will flood with natural light in the morning. For now, though, I close the curtains feeling a little paranoid that someone walking the beach might see me. The space overflows with bohemian décor throughout, and I’m definitely taking mental notes for my own apartment. A large circular rug takes up the center of the living space, and I let my bare feet glide against its many tassels as I sit on the couch and take it all in.
I did it.
I’m in Florida!
Well, I guess you can say Aiden and I did it.
