Page 117 of The Matchmaker Club

I’d texted pictures of Lainey’s gardento Lucas over two hours ago, and he still hadn’t texted back. I flopped back on my pillow, trying to push away the feelings of doubt creeping into my thoughts.

Cedar Gardens was magical, but what if that magic wore off when he went back to his world?

My phone buzzed with a text, and I instantly grabbed it. My shoulders slumped when it was from Thelma.

TH: Are you up for wedding dress shopping on Thursday? Nothing fancy.

TR: Sounds great.

TH: How’s your Champ doing? ;)

TR: He had to leave. Rick is suing him.

TH: He’s such an asshole. Mack banned him.

TR: Good.

TH: How are you doing?

TR: I’m okay.

TH: How are you doing, honestly?

TR: I miss him.

TH: :( Want to FaceTime?

TR: No. I’ll be okay. Promise.

TH: See you tomorrow. We’ll talk then. Love you.

TR: Love you too.

Before I put my phone down another text flung up. I sat up. Lucas.

L: Wow. Lainey did an incredible job. The sunflower tribute to your mother is beautiful.

My thumbs flew across the screen.

T: The pictures don’t do it justice. I can’t wait for you to see it in person.

I chewed my thumbnail when I didn’t see texting bubbles. I typed out another response.

T: Is everything okay, Lucas?

My heart raced as bubbles started and stopped, started then stopped again, with no sent reply.

Something was wrong.

His reply finally popped up.

L: No.

T: Can you call me?

L: I can’t right now. But we will talk soon, okay?

T: Okay.