Chapter 49

FORTY-NINE

ALWAYS BE PREPARED.

I refuse to be happy that there are tears in her eyes when my cab pulls away from the curb.

She wants me to go as little as I want to leave, but I need her to have a great time. I need her to escape Oakwood until shit’s blown over. I need for things to settle down and to get my ducks in a row so that when she’s back, she’s ready to wear my ring.

Because fuck if being in Madrid with her didn’t make me want her to wear it. No betting required.

I turn back to wave at her, watching her watch me go.

She’s all alone.

And I hate that.

I want to be here to keep her safe but… I understand why Mel suggested this.

Denny needs this.

When she’s too far away to see, I turn to face the road.

A couple minutes later, I receive a text.

Denny: You’re officially insane.

Me: It could happen

Denny: No way your dad’s going to get fired before I’m back

Me: I know we watched the same game last night, babe

Denny: When did you even get it?

Me: The other day

Me: From that little jewelers near where you bought that shirt you like. The one that makes your tits look bangable

Denny: Little jewelers, my ass. This is Cartier!

Me: I know we agreed to no bagging and tagging while you were away but technically, you couldn’t fulfill the terms of your bet if I didn’t have a ring for you…

Denny: I repeat. You’re. Crazy. But…

Me: But?

Me: Don’t go quiet on me, gorgeous

Me: I’m officially encouraged.

Denny: Sigh

Denny: I miss you

Denny: Already

Me: And I miss you. But it’ll be great. We’ll talk all the time and call all the time and video-call all the time and you’ll be so sick of the sight of me, you’ll need a break when we’re back together

Denny: Nah, I remember the ratio

Denny: Forty-six weeks of glue coming up

Me:

Me: And here was me believing you when you said you couldn’t talk dirty

Denny:

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