Total pages in book: 153
Estimated words: 152064 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 760(@200wpm)___ 608(@250wpm)___ 507(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 152064 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 760(@200wpm)___ 608(@250wpm)___ 507(@300wpm)
I spiral into a chasse, stag leap, and move to floor work, improvising to make the song my own. I dance until the automatic lights turn off, and then I lie on the wood floor, heart hammering, skin damp with sweat, hair sticking to my neck and temples.
Eventually, when my breathing calms, I peel myself off the floor and head up to my apartment. Parsnip rushes down the hall to greet me, but I close the door in time to prevent his escape. I scoop him up like a baby and rub my face against his cheek. “How is my cute boy?”
He wriggles around, uninterested in the affection.
“I know I need a shower, but you could be less obvious about it.” I head for the kitchen first, feed Parsnip so he doesn’t become a tripping hazard, and pour myself a glass of water.
I check my messages while I drain the glass. Cammie, Fee, and Enid have sent me a range of gifs.
But a new one from Flip makes my heart skip a beat. It’s in our private thread. Mostly it’s used for book recommendations.
Flip
I hope you’re staying hydrated.
I didn’t drink at the party. I consider taking a selfie with my glass of water, but I’m sweaty and red-faced, so I snap one of the glass, with my bookshelf as the background.
Tally
H2O for the win. What about you?
Flip
Not quite as good as you.
A picture of a glass of Tang in his hand appears. He’s in his apartment, and the book I suggested in our group chat a couple of weeks ago is open in his lap.
Tally
Shouldn’t you be out indulging in a double chocolate fudge cake with your teammates?
Flip
I considered it, but this book was calling me.
He’s texting me unprovoked for the third time this week. He’s home and reading the book I recommended. Is he trying to smooth things over and make things less awkward because I’m joining the group for New Year’s? I’m working up the nerve to ask. But for now, I try to reclaim some of the easiness of our previous messages.
Tally
The nice thing about books is that they’ll still be there, waiting for your eyes until after you finish dessert.
Flip
True. But I’m invested. I need to know what happens.
I click on the photo he sent and magnify the image so I can see where he is in the story.
Tally
Oh! You’re so far already! No wonder you passed up dessert. You’re almost at my favorite part.
Flip
You want to tell me what that is?
Tally
And ruin the surprise? I would never.
Flip
Is it in this chapter?
Tally
No, but it’s coming. That’s the only hint you get. Otherwise I’ll ruin it.
Flip
Hmm. Good point. I’ll be back in a bit with my guesses.
Tally
Don’t stay up too late.
Flip
No promises.
I’m smiling as I shower and get ready for bed. Parsnip is lying on my body pillow, concealed by my comforter. He meows his annoyance and tries to bite my hand when I pull the sheets back.
“Hi, Flip. Ready for bed?” I barely resist the urge to lean down and kiss his two-dimensional lips. I’ve had a Flip Madden body pillow since my first year of university. Cammie got it for me as a joke, but I sleep with it every night.
I stretch out next to Pillow Flip and throw a leg over his pillow bottom half. As soon as I stop moving, Parsnip makes himself comfortable against my side. Just as I’m dozing off, my phone vibrates. I groggily check the message.
Flip
It’s the scene where he sends her on a scavenger hunt to all their favorite places.
I grin and hug Pillow Flip. He knows me well enough to pick out my favorite scene. Maybe we’re getting back to normal again, which is a relief.
Tally
That’s the one!
It was such a thoughtful thing to do.
Flip
The little things mean the most, don’t they?
Tally
Exactly.
When you’re finished, you can tell me which chapter is your favorite.
Flip
So far it’s the same as yours. But I should be finished in a couple of days, so I’ll tell you if it changes.
I’ll need another rec soon, though.
Tally
I’ll have one ready for you.
He hearts the message.
Flip
Back to reading.
Night, Talls.
Tally
Night, Flip.
CHAPTER 10
TALLY
“Oh my gosh, this room is incredible! Is this why Connor bought you the lodge?” Hammer runs her fingers along the spines on a bookshelf.
Connor and Dred’s suite has its very own library overlooking the picturesque frozen lake. It’s stunning and romantic and the perfect winter oasis. “Connor can’t help but be excessive and extravagant,” Dred says dryly, smiling.
I catalogue the titles, noting a few I’ve read that Flip might like. “Can I borrow a couple of these?”
“Of course,” Dred replies.
I select two. How much would I love to read by the fire with Flip? Cuddled into his side, or even my feet tucked under his leg. I’m sad the dream will never be a reality, but grateful things seem better between us again.