Petals and Plot Twists (Only Magic in the Building)

by Jenny Proctor

Iris looks at me funny. As she should because I sound like an utter and complete moron.

“I’ve been thinking a lot, and I’m just going to come right out and say it.” I take a deep breath. “I miss you, pookie pie.”

Sophie takes a step forward. “I love you too, honey cakes.”

“Come back to me?” I look right at her. “Sugar boo boo bear?”

Bear is approaching, his face solemn. When he reaches us, he lifts his hands, placing one on Sophie’s back and one on mine. “I bless this union,” he says, his deep voice serious. “You belong together.”

“I’m glad that’s all that was needed,” he says. “I would not have punched that guy for you.” He turns toward his apartment, but then he stops and looks back. “I would have punched him for Sophie.”

It’s a selfish thought, but I like having Sophie all to myself.

“Have you talked to Archer about it? Does he have any suggestions?” “Not useful ones,” Steve says. “Unless you also think it’s a good idea to call the Ghostbusters.”

“Jake?” I say, as I hold open the front door. “Yes?” he says, his confusion reasonable since he’s expecting Sophie, and I’m not half as beautiful as she is.

He looks like he belongs in a car commercial. Or in a print ad selling cologne. I immediately hate the guy.

“Hey, Peter,” she says. “What’s up?” I push into the apartment without waiting for an invitation. “Sure. Come on in,” she says dryly.

When I finally look up to meet Willa’s eye, her expression is full of compassion and understanding. “You’re in love with her,” she says gently.

“Should we have a conversation about what you’re doing at Sophie’s in the middle of the night? Shirtless?” “We should not, Reggie,” I say, and the younger man chuckles. “Got it. Understood, man. I’ll stop hitting on her so much.”

As much as I was struggling to fall asleep before, with Sophie beside me, it’s only a matter of minutes before I drift off as well.

I like him. Like like him.

“It didn’t mean anything,” I say. “All we did was sleep. I only asked him to stay because I had this weird experience when I was a teenager where I thought someone was breaking into my house, so when I heard Reggie, I just got really freaked⁠—” Willa holds up her hand. “Hold up,” she says. “What are you talking about?” I look at her, completely confused. What is she talking about, if not that? “About Peter sleeping in my bed last night.” Her eyes widen. “Wait, what?”

“It’s a bit of a plot twist, actually,” I sheepishly say. “But I actually think I have a crush on Peter.”

“You looked at him while he was sleeping,” she says. “Should we pause and talk about how that makes you sound like a serial killer?”

“All right, let’s say you turn down the job in Charlotte so you can stay in Serendipity Springs with Sophie. Then her dating scheme works, and she falls in love with someone else.” I shoot him a look. “This is some pep talk you’re giving.”

Peter What, exactly, did you tell Sophie about the gym? Archer Not sure I follow your question. Peter Why did she just offer me Pepto Bismol? Archer Oh, that. I might have said something about explosive diarrhea. And implied that’s why you had to run away.

Now tell her the truth, or I’m asking you about your bowels every time we’re together in front of Sophie.

Don’t get me wrong. I love a man who stays in shape. I just don’t love it when it’s his entire personality.

“When you’ve dreamed of kissing someone for such a long time, when it finally happens, it takes a moment for the shock to wear off.”

“So no explosive diarrhea?” she asks, lifting one eyebrow. I manage a grin. “Sorry to disappoint you.”

“I don’t know why I’m nervous when I was just kissing you.”

“Sorry. Just wanted to do something dorky enough to wipe all memories of sexy Peter from your mind.” “Oh, got it,” she says. “He’s like your alter ego, then. There’s Best Friend Peter, then Sexy Peter?”

“Wait,” I say. “You always thought Peter and me were more than friends?” “Honey, everyone thought you were. That boy looked at you like you were the sun, moon and stars all at once.”

Dear Sophie, I know I made you work really hard to be my friend. It was only because I was so in awe of you, I kept waiting for the punchline because it had to be a joke. You couldn’t actually want to be my friend. But you didn’t give up. You tried and you tried, and eventually, you wore me down. I’m so glad you did, because now, I’ve fallen in love with you. It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me, Soph. Even if you never love me back, I feel so lucky to know you. To be your best friend. I hope you will love me back though. If you’re reading this, it means I felt confident enough to give it to you, so fingers crossed. I love you. Peter.

“Loving you isn’t work, Sophie. It’s like breathing.”