Read Choose Me (The Me Novellas) for Free Online

at risk—at least, according to Yuri—I was stuck.
    Until I remembered Lance.
    Lance from high school. Lance who had been a good friend until he’d moved to the East Coast the summer of our junior year. Lance who was also an artist—he was a playwright now—who had recently moved to Washington, DC.
    Lance who was very much gay.
    “I know, I know,” Andy grumbled. He put his arms around me. “But I think I’m allowed to be a little put out by you staying with another guy.”
    “It’d be no different than me staying with Katie,” I reminded him. “Just remember that.”
    “Trying.”
    I glanced at my watch. “I should probably go. Get in line.”
    Andy sighed. “I know.” His arms tightened around my waist. “Just don’t wanna let you go. Which is totally irrational.”
    I hugged him back. Part of me didn’t want to go, either.
    “It’s only a weekend,” I said.
    “No, it’s not.”
    “OK, a little longer than a weekend,” I clarified. “It’s Thursday. I’ll be back Monday. Four days.”
    “Five,” he mumbled against my shoulder.
    “Whatever. Today doesn’t count,” I told him. “Monday shouldn’t, either, since I’ll be back that night. Three days. See? The time is already flying by.”
    He squeezed me. “So illogical.” He lifted his head and kissed me soundly. “One of the many reasons why I love you.”
    I kissed him back. “Why else?”
    “Because you’re funny,” he said, his lips dotting my cheeks with kisses as he spoke. “Smart. Talented. Beautiful.”
    My heart fluttered in response. Even after two years, his words still had that kind of effect on me.
    “I love you, too,” I told him. Unexpectedly, I felt my eyes fill with tears.
    He noticed. “What’s wrong?”
    I brushed them away with an impatient hand. “Nothing. Just gonna miss you.”
    He smiled. “Good.”
    “Good?” I snorted.
    “Yes. Good. Miss me tons. And then come back to me.” He stared at me. “Got it?”
    I nodded.
    “Promise?”
    “I promise.” I held him tight, pressing my body against his.
    He kissed me again, quickly this time. “You need to go.”
    “OK.” But I said it reluctantly. I picked up my carry-on and looped it over my shoulder with painful slowness.
    Andy reached down and pulled up the handle of my bag. He handed it to me.
    “Find me as soon as you land?” he asked.
    “I will.” I turned to go.
    “And Meg?”
    I glanced over my shoulder.
    “Hit this milestone out of the park.”

EIGHT
     
     
    Flying into National Airport in DC was like flying into a postcard. The monuments loomed on the horizon as we began our descent, the Washington Monument serving as our personal welcoming beacon. I stared out the window from my seat, my mouth agape as I spotted landmark after landmark, buildings I’d only seen in books and on television. The Washington Monument,the Jefferson Memorial and the grassy expanse of lawn that separated them. Out of the corner of my eye, the Jefferson Memorial, perched on the edge of the river. The fall colors here were muted, not as pronounced and I knew that the seasons hit later here than in Minnesota. The trees were close to summer foliage, a palette of lush greens, just a twinge of yellow hinting at the changes to come.
    I called Andy as soon as I was off the plane. It rolled me over to voice mail, which I expected. It was an hour earlier in Minneapolis which meant he was still in the middle of his workday. I knew he had interviews lined up for an apartment in Dinkytown, knew he was planning to meet with the Weaver Lake homeowner soon.
    Lance was waiting for me at baggage claim. He stood at the exit, his eyes scanning the throngs of people entering the baggage claim area. He hadn’t changed much in the years since I’d last seen him. Tall, slightly built, blond hair cropped close, warm green eyes. He enveloped me in a bear hug.
    “Oh my gosh, you look exactly the same,” he gushed, his eyes roving over me. “Same beautiful hair, same beautiful