I shake my head. Flashbacks of the summer slam into my consciousness, and I’m worried she’ll suggest keeping our relationship a secret again.
My worries evaporate when she grins. “Good, let’s stop by her house to announce the news.”
I fish my phone out of my pocket. “Let me text her to make sure she’s home.”
Gage:
Are you home?
“Did she know you were planning to come talk to me today?” I ask.
“She knew I was going to do something on some Thursday because I asked her about your schedule, but she didn’t know the details.”
My phone pings with Annie’s reply.
Nini:
Yeah. Doing some writing
Gage:
Is it okay if I stop by?
Nini:
Everything okay?
Gage:
Just need to talk
Nini:
[sad face emoji] Of course
I slide my phone back into my pocket. “I think she thinks I’m moping.”Again.
It’s a fair assumption. Over the last few weeks, I’ve spent almost as much time brooding on her couch as I have my own.
The corners of Olivia’s mouth pull down, and she wraps her arms around my middle. “I’m sorry, Gage.”
I raise my eyebrows. “And how haveyoubeen feeling these last couple of weeks?”
She squeezes me. “Miserable.”
As much as I don’t like the thought of Olivia being unhappy, knowing she was unhappy because she wasn’t with me feels pretty good.
“Then we’re even.”
I wonder if Annie will see it that way, though. If she’s still supportive of Olivia and I getting together. Guess we’ll find out soon.
Thirty minutes later, we’re standing at the door to Annie’s apartment downtown near Lady Bird Lake.
I knock, and when Annie opens the door clad in purple pajama pants and an oversized T-shirt, Olivia and I raise our joined hands and shout, “Surprise!”
Annie shuffles back a step, her hand flying to her chest. Once she gets her bearings, she claps her hands and squeals in a pitch so high that every dog within a mile radius is probably on their way to her apartment right now.
I guess I don’t have to worry about my sister being supportive of Olivia and me as a couple.
