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The exhale he let out was long and slow "I’ low on time"

"In ay?" Ivie was very aware of her heart skipping a beat "As in…you’re leaving Caldwell?"

There was a pause "Yes I aainst the cushions "Where are you going? How far away is it? As long as it isn’t the Old Country, we can long-distance things I et that far" When he didn’t reply, she cursed "You’re going back to the Old Country"

"I’m so sorry I hate this I really do"

Yeah,That kind of distance was a deal breaker Bi-coastal would have been tough But across the ocean? There was no de back and forth over the Atlantic, and planes were dangerous given that they had to travel at night only A delay due to weather or mechanical issues could be deadly

"I’m really sorry, Ivie"

"Me, too" She took a deep breath "What takes you back there? Fa"

"An arranged ain "Okay, that’s not appropriate It’s none of my business--"

"There isn’t another felad" She moved the blanket over her knees "If I have to lose you, I’d rather it not be to anyone else On that note, how ht yet?"

"The, ah, precise night isn’t on the calendar But it looks like--well, fros to wrap up here and then…you know, I’ to say this"

"Say what?"

She picked at a frayed thread on the blanket "I’rew hoarse "I’e of plans, then?" she joked

"It’s not up to rew quiet And when she couldn’t stand it one round?"

"Sorry, I’ll turn it off It’s just a tieddon"

"Lot of firepower in your house, then"

He laughed a little "I want to ask you so"

"If it’s how to disood with recipes, house plants, and anything that has to do with pets I killed the one betta fish I had growing up within nights of getting his that come in pots as opposed to tanks or bowls When it cos alive, vah of his was ood to know your strengths and weaknesses"

"I agree It cuts down on the bad surprises in life So what do you want to ask me?"

"Go on a trip around the world with me"

Ivie blinked "I’m sorry?"

"Around the world With urative proposition, not a literal one, right?"

"What tiht"

"I’ll pick you up at six It’ll be dark enough, and we’ll have al, it’ll be a surprise"

Ivie sht A date, dearest Ivie See you then"

Chapter Five