The Serendipity (Only Magic in the Building)

by Emma St. Clair

“Because you’re my new landlord, and that makes me your problem.” She most certainly is.

I’ve upset Willa. I can see it in the way her lips purse as she walks back to the stand mixer, testing out the icing consistency and pretending we’ve already gone. She looks hurt, like rejecting a cookie is rejecting her. It makes me want to grab the tin of broken pieces and shovel them into my mouth.

“I’ll be okay. I will.” “Duh. You’re Willa freaking Smith, a single tiny vowel away from being Will Smith. You can do anything.”

It’s safe to say Willa already knows more about me than any of my previous girlfriends. Not that she’s a girlfriend. She’s just … Willa.

Archer is a juxtaposition of unexpected parts somehow fitting together seamlessly. He’s measured and possesses more careful control than I have in my entire genetic makeup. And yet he kisses me with an unbridled fervor that holds nothing back.

At least in that context, I know what to expect. I have something to offer. With your parents …” He shrugs. “I don’t know how to impress them.” I reach over and squeeze his hand, turning to face him as I stop at a red light. “It’s not about impressing them.” When his gray-blue eyes meet mine, they’re stormier than usual, with a vulnerability that makes me ache. “I want them to approve. I want them to like me. I don’t know how to make them do that.” “You don’t need to make them like you. You don’t need to make anyone like you. It’s not something you can force. Just be yourself, and I promise, they’ll see you and like you. My parents already like you because I’ve told them so much.”

It takes a good friend to climb inside your heartbreak with you. And the very best of friends who will climb inside not just your heartbreak but your nest of clothing when you most likely have chocolate on your face and definitely have jimmies in your bra. But that’s Soph.

“For one kiss from you right now, I would give up any secret. Reveal any thought. I’d trade the world for you, Willa. Don’t tempt me.”

All I need to know is that wherever it is we’re going, Archer, I’m with you.”