Chapter 38
W ith Adam out on his morning run, I dial Kelsey’s number, hoping to catch her before she goes to work. As soon as she answers, I blurt out, “You will never guess where I am right now.”
“Give me a hint!”
“Chicago.”
“Did you get a new apartment?”
“Not yet. I’m with The Renter ,” I say, smiling.
“What?”
“I’m at his place in Lincoln Park. We’re staying here for the week,” I add, still finding it surreal myself.
“Holy shit. Tell me everything.”
I flop onto the plush sofa, feeling a rush of stories fighting to spill out. “I know I’m hard to be friends with, always lost in my latest obsession. Where do I even start? His house is insane.”
“Wait, back up. How did you even end up in Chicago with him?”
I laugh, realizing how crazy it all sounds. “Well, we’ve been seeing a lot of each other, and he introduced me to a handful of companies, which I’m meeting with in person later today.”
Kelsey is silent for a moment. “Are you guys, like, a thing now?”
“We’re dating,” I say, smiling. “But it’s complicated. I don’t know how this guy is so into me like he’s asking me to move in with him and talking about kids. It’s crazy.”
“Dani!” Kelsey’s voice scolds. “What in the actual fuck are you talking about?”
“I know.” I sigh. “I’m not moving in with him. But if we keep dating, maybe. I don’t know.”
“Dani,” she says in a familiar, motherly tone.
“I told him we’d rediscuss in three months. He may or may not be doing some renovations to make the house more for me. I’m not entirely certain if he was joking about that or not.”
“Dani! Slow the fuck down. You just met this guy!”
“I know it’s fast, but it feels right.”
Kelsey breathes heavily. “Be careful, okay? You know I’ve got your back, but this is all so wild.” She pauses. “It sounds like Sorin, you know? You guys moved way too fast.”
“That was totally different. I hear you, though; I’m being cautious. Oh, and get this—we went to One last night. It was epic.”
“Stop it! I’m so jealous right now! You have to send me pictures. And details. I need all the details!”
I laugh, promising to send her photos and fill her in on every bit of the experience. “I will. This whole thing is … It’s like a dream.”
“Enjoy it. You deserve it.”
“Thanks,” I say, feeling grateful for my ride or die. “I’ll keep you updated on everything.”