Crossing Paths by Melanie Stinnett Page B

your mom can start planning your wedding and how many babies you should have.”
    “Sure, that sounds like it’ll work out just fine since he lives on the opposite side of the country. I thought you would feel sorry for me and help me pick out something nice to wear for Monday. See if I ever bare my soul to you again.”
    Caroline stares at me, waiting for the answer to the only question in her approval speech. I don’t want to get into this right now. She raises her eyebrows and motions with her hands to indicate that she’s waiting.
    I raise my hands in surrender. “Fine. Yes, I got his number.”
    She jumps up from her seat on the couch, clapping like a child too full of energy. “You should text him. You should text him right now!”
    “And say what?”
    “Anything. Come on, June! He obviously likes you. Give it a chance.”
    I involuntarily smile, but before I can put my smile back where it belongs—off my face—Caroline starts poking at my sides with her Twizzler-like fingers.
    “See, you like him, too! Just do it.”
    “Okay, okay, but you have to leave me alone about it after this.”
    “Pinky swear,” she says, not offering her pinky.
    I draft several different text messages, trying to figure out which one would sound like I’m interested and grateful but not desperate.
     
    Got your flowers. That was nice.
    Thank you for the gift.
    Come to Texas and be with me.
     
    I finally settle on one.
     
    The flowers are beautiful. Thank you. —June
     
    I hit Send, and shortly after, my phone vibrates, showing a new message.
     
    You’re welcome. —Cohen
     
    “Let me see it,” Caroline says, lunging toward me.
    I pull my phone away before she can reach it. “Stop it. He just said, ‘You’re welcome.’ That’s it, so don’t worry about it.”
    She shakes her head and sits back down on the couch. “Fine.”
    I can’t believe she gave up that easily.
    Caroline glances to the carpet and then peeks back up with a strange look on her face. “I need to ask you a favor,” she says.
    That’s an odd change in attitude. “Sure. Anything. What do you need?”
    “Can you help me pick out a dress for my date tonight?”

Friday
    “You want my help picking out something to wear?” June questions, looking at me like I just asked her to build Noah’s ark.
    She’s right. I would normally ask anyone before asking for her help, but since it is her brother, I thought her guidance might be good. Of course, I can’t tell her the reason behind the request.
    “I don’t really need much. Just tell me if you think I should wear this dress…” I hold up the blue dress I just bought in one hand. “Or this one.” My other hand lifts a black dress that shows a little more skin. “Now, remember, I’ll be on a first date with a professional guy.”
    June laughs. “Do you really like this guy or something? I thought you said you didn’t know much about him.”
    I give her a glare.
    “I would pick the blue one,” she says, holding her hands up in surrender.
    “Thanks, June.” I run over and hug her.

    I take a quick shower and settle in at the bathroom mirror. June walks in and hops up onto the counter. Her legs are swinging back and forth as I put on my makeup and then do my hair.
    “Don’t you have to get going? What time are you supposed to be at your parents’ house?” I ask.
    “Oh crap.” She hops off the counter and rushes out.
    I can hear her running through the apartment. I lay my hands flat against the counter, taking in a deep breath. The sooner she is out of the apartment, the sooner I don’t have to worry about her running into Liam.
    “Have fun tonight, Caroline, and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
    I can tell she is smiling as I hear the sound of the door closing behind her.
    Suddenly, I am alone and nervous as hell. I am going on a date with Liam. What if he is meeting some other people there, and he doesn’t pay attention to me? But then, why would he want to pick me up and