Always Only You by Chloe Liese (z-lib.org).epub

“It’s not that—”
Frankie’s and my words tumble over each other. We stop at the same time, a
mirror of blushing cheeks.
“Right,” Frankie says quietly, tucking her hair behind her ear. “Lunch.”
She walks past me, leaving me alone with Millie, who’s suddenly very
absorbed in something on the computer screen.
“Mildred.”
She squints at the screen, avoiding my gaze. “Yes, dear. How can I help
you?”
I lean my elbows on the desk ledge, lowering my face until she’s forced to
meet my eyes. I know they freak some people out, especially when I don’t blink.
They’re Mom’s eyes. Pale and silvery. They’re an unexpected pairing with my
hair. A little unnatural. A lot intimidating.
Millie looks me in the eye and swallows with a loud gulp. “I’ll mind my own
beeswax from now on.”
“Excellent.” Pushing off the desk, I call over my shoulder. “No more
meddling, Mildred. Not with dropping confidential Club activities, ‘check
engine’ lights or spark plugs, or hotel room arrangements, or you’re walking
your way to next Club meeting.”
She cackles. “We both know you’re too much of a softie to ever follow
through on a hard-hearted threat like that, but nice try, toots.”
She’s right. And sometimes I wish I wasn’t so damn predictable.
“WHAT ARE YOU GETTING?” FRANKIE STARES AT HER MENU, BITING HER LIP.
“Too many choices.”
I glance up from my phone, where a meme that Andy was delighted to notify
me went viral plays on a loop in my messages: me eating ice, right as I get my
shot off. The goal I scored when 27 tripped me. It has Frankie written all over it.
She makes these from time to time, and they always take off.
“Francesca.”
“Hm?” She finally glances up. “What? I’m trying to decide between burgers
here, Bergman. Heh. Get it? Burgers. Bergman.”
I flip my phone around so she can see the meme.
She has the courtesy to blush, the tips of her ears turning bright pink. “Oh,
that little old thing.”
“Oh, Frankie. There is nothing little or old about this. In fact, it’s quite fresh