Page 105 of A Million Times, Yes

“It doesn’t matter what was planned or what wasn’t planned—when Grandma calls, we’re there. She allows for no exceptions.” He leaned forward in his chair, resting his arms on his legs.

“We should have used her to negotiate the Clover deal,” I told him. “She’s a million times better than the both of us put together.”

He laughed. “You’ve got that right.”

Another alert came across my phone, this time a notification that someone was in my elevator. I picked up my cell and tapped into the security feed. The cameras showed Maya leaning against the wall inside, on her phone, with what looked like a bag of groceries on her arm.

Me:I see you.

Maya:Lol. Don’t look too hard. What I’m making for dinner is a surprise.

Me:I’ll be there in thirty.

Maya:I can’t wait. xo

When I glanced up from my phone, Gavin was smiling at me. “Dude, now, that’s a look of love if I’ve ever seen one.”

I nodded toward him. “When is it your turn?”

He sat up to run his hand over the top of his head. “For love? Shit, I don’t know.” He got up from his chair. “Right now, things need to be all about Ben.”

“He’s seven.”

“And?”

“And Ben wants you happy.”

He turned his body, looking at me from across his shoulder. “I am happy.”

“You’d be happier if you had someone like Maya in your life.”

“Jesus,” he moaned. “So you’re the master of love now? Throwing it down everyone’s throats? After going thirty-three years without it?” He walked over to the door. “You know one way to get me to stop barging in without knocking? Keep bringing up love, and I’ll avoid your office altogether.”

I smiled. “You don’t think I know that?”

“Asshole.”

“See you tomorrow for milk and cookies.”

As he flipped me off and shut my door, my phone chimed for a third time. I lifted it into my hands and read the screen.

Maya:Jordan. Oh My God. (Yes, all caps needed.)The Flowers. (More caps needed.) They’re everywhere I look—did you buy an entire flower store?!? And they’re gorgeous. I’ve never seen anything like them in my life or this many or this kind of flower explosion before. I can’t stop looking at them. And smelling them. And touching them.

Maya:I love them. And I love you.

Jordan:Since I couldn’t be there when you got to my place, I wanted to give you a reason to smile. I’m happy you love them.

Maya:You’rethe reason I smile every day. You didn’t have to doThis. (More caps needed.)

Jordan:Thisis just the beginning, Maya. If you’re with me—and you better not be going anywhere—you’re just going to have to get used to things like this.

Maya:How does one get used to things like this? Because this isn’t normal, Jordan. This is ... well, this is bananas, and you know that.

Jordan:I think we both know I have an endless supply of bananas in me.

Maya:Snort.

Maya:Also: You have me forever.