Page 82 of Cross Check

“You’re the best, G.” She pops to her feet and moves around the table, giving me a quick hug. “Thank you for listening to me and understanding where I’m coming from. I’m glad I have you in my life.”

“It’s a good thing the Great Barbie War of 2003 didn’t have any lasting impacts on our relationship that followed us to adulthood.” I bark out a laugh when she pinches my side. “I was only trying to give them better haircuts!”

“You ripped off their heads!”

“And I’m still apologizing to this day.” I put a hand over my heart. “Go enjoy your movie, sis. Be safe. Text me anytime.”

“Love you, doofus.” She ruffles my hair and skips to the restaurant exit. “And stop being afraid to put yourself out there!”

I drum my fingers on the table, deep in thought.

I wonder if I should put myself out there, not because I’d enjoy it, but because it would finally get the constant thought of Amelia out of my head.

TWENTY-SEVEN

AMELIA

Me

Secret of the day?

GE

Look at you initiating the secrets! I’m so proud!

I should have thought this through. I don’t have enough juicy gossip in my life, and I’m wondering if I need some more adventure.

Me

Adventure is always good.

GE

Okay. This might be a cop out, but I don’t care. My secret is that I’m excited to see you.

Me

I’m excited to see you too.

GE

Yeah?

Me

Yeah.

Pick me up in thirty minutes?

GE

Your chariot awaits!

“DC is significantly better than Baltimore,” Grant says when I climb in his car down the street from our team hotel.

“I like Baltimore.” I smile and buckle my seatbelt, turning to face him. “Hello, Everett.”

“Hi, Amelia.” He reaches over and taps his fingers on my forearm. I never thought I’d welcome contact from someone so willingly, but with him, I savor his touch through my sweater. “It’s good to see you.”