Absolutely Not in Love (Sweater Weather, #7; Appies, #2)

by Jenny Proctor

Phone in hand, I check my bank account balance, groaning when I see a number in the very low three digits. It’s not like I’m surprised. I’m a teacher with a side gig as a musician. No one does either job if they have expectations of wealth or grandeur. All of my bills are paid for the month, so I’m not truly at risk of running out of money before my paycheck hits next week. But I still can’t justify splurging for takeout.

Couldn't Be me Unfortunately i can justify takeout every time

“Nah, not tonight,” I say, finally answering Eli. “I’m, uh, meeting Ivy.” Not exactly a lie. Ivy is what I call my library. It’s my favorite part of my apartment. It deserves a name.

“The bookstore on Maple Street. You’ve never been there? Dude, come on. You? I thought it’d be your favorite place.” We head toward the door together. “Call it self-preservation. I’m out of shelf space.”

I’m half-crouched, butt facing Gracie’s door, when she slides it open. “Felix?” she says. “Hey,” I say, quickly standing up and dropping the letters I was gathering. I spin to face her. “I have your mail.” I don’t, actually, have her mail. Or any mail. All of it is still on the floor. She looks around the hallway, a question in her eyes. “You do?”

Dead

This is hard. I feel dumb. I don’t want to come on too strong. Logan Have you strewn your apartment with flower petals? If you have, ABANDON SHIP.

also asked the woman at Book Smart if Gracie has a favorite pastry, and I bought some of those. Her favorites. Is that weird? Am I being creepy? Logan Parker says you sound thoughtful, not weird. As long as you don’t spread the books on her bed in the shape of a heart, or leave the pastries on her pillow, you’re fine. Felix Definitely not doing that. Thanks, man. Logan Good luck.

love them because they are my parents and that’s what we do. We love family even when it’s hard. Even when it’s complicated and messy and uncomfortable.

But honestly, you could invite me to try competitive duck herding and I’d still want to go if you were going to be there.

don’t…I was hoping we might head back to the apartment so I can play something for you.” My eyebrows lift. “On your cello?” “Nope. On the tuba,” she deadpans.

I’ll follow her anywhere. Whatever it takes. Whatever she wants. I’m hers.

“You know, I get the sense that you’re making fun of me right now, and I don’t think I like it,”

I can’t promise I won’t ever screw up again. But I can promise I will live every day trying my hardest to put you first—to love you like you deserve.