Page 17 of Intoxicating Pursuit

RSVP

SAMMY

D espite my increasingly concrete plans to travel, almost a week passed without the nightmare, and I could actually think about the trip without anxiety knotting my gut.

Is it finally time to do this? I sipped my coffee at the sunny kitchen island and glanced at the stack of college brochures that continued to arrive every day from all corners of the country.

I knew that Mom—and even Meghan and her hot head—were at least a little bit right.

I’d gone away to college. Then I’d taken a job in California and lived the way I wanted to.

When I came back to Chestnut Hill, it was because I missed home, not because I lacked choices.

Frankly, if my parents had tried to force my return, I might never have come back.

The truth of it all felt heavy on my shoulders.

I finally allowed my thoughts to drift to Gabe.

I’d been so focused on researching Creekside and monitoring my anxiety that I hadn’t allowed myself to truly daydream about him.

Letting the floodgate crack open slightly, memories of his warm smile and alluring presence washed over me, leaving a tingling excitement behind.

I absolutely wanted to spend time with him again—even if I knew better.

Even if I was still a little insulted after being jilted at the rooftop bar.

I took a deep breath, typed the message, and hit send before I could change my mind:

Thanks for your patience, Charlie. The July dates work for me.

A few hours later, the reply came:

That’s great. Gabe asks you to meet him at La Fermata around 10am if that works. If you have any questions, please let me know or call the restaurant. They’ll be expecting you.

A burst of heat spread through me. I was really going to do this.