Page 219 of Terms of Exposure
Emma leaned over to read, snorting. "Time sensitive? It's a rerun."
"You try telling her that."
She rolled her eyes, and reached for her phone.
"What are you texting her?" I asked, taking a bite of pizza, flavors exploding in my mouth.
She typed, brow furrowed like she was drafting a legal brief.
"Hello?" I asked in a sing-song voice.
"Sorry," she said. "Your mom is going off."
"About what?"
She settled into the couch, plate balanced on her lap. "About how Derek's response was inadequate and Tanya should have called wildlife control. Also, we've decided the contractor's beard is unsanitary."
"It's just a beard."
"His beard touches his chest. That's a hazard."
My phone buzzed again.
Mom: I LOVE HER.
Mom: She understands.
Mom: You hold onto this one.
I looked at Emma—marinara still on her chin.
I promise I will.
"I can't wait until Monday," I said, taking another bite.
She blinked, then grinned. "Oh, shit. I almost forgot."
I feigned offense, my slice of pizza frozen mid air. "You almost forgot about our official reveal?"
She gave me a sheepish grin.
"Are you nervous?" I asked, winking at her.
"A little." She reached over to steal a pepperoni from my plate.
She popped it into her mouth. "Do you think Jennifer's plan worked?"
"Absolutely, I'm sure Tessa has told everyone by now. Monday just makes it official."
She grinned. "Official, huh?"
"Official," I confirmed.
"No more hiding," I added. "Just us."
She held my gaze. "Just us."
And the future I'd almost lost.
