Rosie and the Dreamboat (The Improbable Meet-Cute, #3)

by Sally Thorne

“Just do your best,” Dionne advises in a kind way that somehow also hurts my feelings.

All my almost-husbands out in the wild have met my gaze, then looked over at her. I would, too.

“Sounds like they didn’t put it in. Wait. It’s dark in there?” This realization has put velvet empathy in his voice now. “You’re being real brave, sweetie.”

“She really left?” “Your heartless sister’s gone, Miss Rosie Clamshell. It’s you and me now, kid. Frank is just our third wheel.” “Shuck me out of this thing. I’m begging you.” His helpless, barking belly laugh is an absolute dopamine hit. “Are we shuck buddies? My God, Frank, whoever is in this fancy water coffin is cracking me up.”

“Are you trying to set me up with her? Because I saw her true colors. Nothing could drag me from your side, Rosie Clamshell.”

“You love me for my sparkling personality? Even though I’m just the clamshell’s AI?”

“I’ll say it again. Are you listening to me? You’re being really, really brave right now, and it turns out, you’ve always been brave.”

“Stop. You did the best you could, just like now. You didn’t let it ruin you. You stayed funny and smart and kind. You survived. A lot of people don’t. Take my word for it.”

Now, I want you to get yourself ready. It’s

gonna be noisy. There’ll be lots of men’s voices above you. But you’re not in a trunk. You’re here, with me, and I’ll get you out like I wish I could have back then.”