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“When we’re done, you’re taking mine, and I’m taking yours. Whoever keeps their plant alive the longest is the one who cares the most about the other.”

My mouth dropped as I pulled off my gloves to grab my drink.

“It’s tacky as hell to make a romantic gesture competitive. Especially when you have the advantage.”

“Hating on me having a green thumb is wild, Nyx. And if you don’t care enough about me to keep my plant alive, just say that.”

“You’re annoying, you know that?”

“So you’ve told me. But you stick around anyway, so I have to question if what you’re feeling is annoyance or endearment.”

“I’ll be feeling murderous in a minute if you keep talking shit.”

“Let me set a reminder to sleep with one eye open.”

“You do that,” I snickered, toying with the soil. “But, question.”

“Answer.”

“You want to get slapped so badly.”

“I might like it,” he winked, nearly turning me into a puddle.

“Quit it, nasty. This is serious. How do you think your dad will react to your attempt to find your voice musically?”

“So, don’t trip, but, I didn’t tell you he stopped by the music store the other day.”

I gasped dramatically. “Wow, we’re keeping secrets now? That’s wild, Luck.”

“Dial it back, drama queen. I’m still processing it myself. It was a trippy experience. He apologized for all the shit he’s pulled over the years and went down memory lane to let Jude and I know that most of his actions stemmed from jealousy and resentment.”

“That’s not surprising. Becoming a parent usually means giving up what you want in exchange for what’s best for your children.”

“Which is essentially what he said. It’s wild. I learned so much about him that day, it almost makes me wonder who’s spent the last thirty-odd years raising me. It was like he was a completely different man.”

“Were you open to his apology?”

“Yeah,” I admitted with a laugh. “Almost too damn open. I guess Jude was right. All this time, I’ve been letting my inner kid dictate my actions because I wanted my father’s approval and adoration. When the whole time, he couldn’t give it because he was dealing with his own shit.”

“Are you optimistic about how this will shape the future of y’all’s relationship?”

“Yes and no. I feel like I’m guarded but still hoping for the best. Especially when it comes to making a decision about pursuing music.”

“Well, you know my vote.”

“Yes, slave driver.”

“Shut up,” I snickered. “I’m just saying, you never know the possibilities. You could end up being the world’s most coveted songwriter, or pianist. You could even⁠—”

His laughter sounded around the room as he pulled his remaining glove off and stood, making his way over to me. Hooking his finger under my chin, he tilted my head back and planted his lips on mine.

“I just might like you, Nyx Love.”

“I just might like you too, James Luck.”

“I know. But you have got to slow down. There’s still a lot for me to figure out.”

“I guess slow steps are better than no steps at all, even if you’re moving at the pace of a turtle.”