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Owen tilts his head. “That’s mostly true, Sid.”
Sid laughs again. And I feel a small burning flame light in my chest.Mostly true?Itistrue… isn’t it?
Owen sighs and peers at me like he’s seeing me for the very first time. “I have a hard time saying no to her.”
Oh. My. Gosh. Is hetryingto discredit everything I do?
“She asked and I agreed. But I have to admit—since we’re live and all—I was hesitant.”
I give Owen a small glare, then school my expression, realizing everyone watching sees it too. Still—since we’re live?? Wouldn’t that bit of information actually be better confessed in private? Would anyone see if I accidentally kicked him beneath this table?
Owen continues, oblivious to the fact that I’m having an inner mental breakdown over here. “Her advice is spot on, though. She knows what she’s talking about. I’ve been out with a few women now, and in some shape or form, I’ve made a connection. Had they been the right girl for me, Annie’s sound advice would have brought that fact to the forefront.”
Okay… he’s forgiven. My heart, thundering in my ears, seems to quiet.
“So, you’re still on the lookout for theone.” Sid’s chest rumbles, and he points a finger from Owen to me. “Let’s talk about the letters that ask about both Owen and Annie.”
That Margo is a snitch!
“We’ve learned you’ve had a hoard of mail asking why you aren’t dating Owen for yourself, Annie. You’re single—right?”
I grit my teeth and bare them in a grin. “Iamsingle. Thanks for reminding me. Yes, we have received a few—”
“Quite a few letters, if I heard correctly.”
I clear my throat, skimming my gaze past Owen to Sid. “Yes,” I say. Maybe I’ll kick Sid instead of Owen. “We’ve had some mail about Owen and me. But I’ve answered that question. If you need it again, go read my column.” I laugh like I am the funniest, most clever woman alive. Rather than what I am—a big, fat chicken.
“Owen, can you tell us what piece of advice from Annie felt the most compelling?”Hallelujah, Sid can take a hint.
“Actually, can we go back to that last question?” Owen asks. He peers at Sid with a calmness I never thought I’d see—not with a live camera pointed at his head.
“Ah—” Sid squints.
“I realize Annie’s answered the question about us, but I haven’t.”
I press my lips together, nerves bouncing around inside of me. But maybe this will be good. Maybe if readers hear Owen explain that we’re just friends, they’ll stop emailing me. That folder has more letters than any other; the pile keeps growing, and I’ve been avoiding it like the plague. I’ve answered that question—therefore, I do not need to read all those new letters.
“By all means, enlighten us.” Sid nods at Owen.
“Ah,” Owen says, blinking, “that other question too.”
“You’ve got the floor, man,” Sid says, and he looks thoroughly amused. Apparently, Owen is making this live worth it.
“Owen?” I whisper, but he keeps his focus on Sid.
“You asked if I was a willing participant—I said I was hesitant. To be clear, not because of Annie’s advice, but I was indeed hesitant.” Owen clears his throat—but he isn’t nervous—he’s thecoolest cucumber down the produce aisle. “You also said I was still looking for my one right person. That’s incorrect though.”
“O?” My brows pull together—I am utterly confused and sooo tempted to hit the END STREAM button on Sid’s iPad. Owen does not have a secret girlfriend. He doesn’t. I would know if he did. I’d know!
Holy crap—what if Owen has a secret girlfriend??
“Set us straight, man.” Sid crosses his arms, leaning into the tabletop, his eyes glued to Owen.
“The fact is—all those emails asking why Annie and I aren’t dating, well, I’ve been asking myself the same thing.”
“Wait. What?” Confused. My brain does not compute.
“She’s my one, Sid.” Owen’s glassy blue eyes find mine—they smolder, they burn, they could light this room up. “I’m in love with Annie Archer. And I have been for the majority of my life.”
