Kelly went upstairs and sprawled out across the bed. She flipped through the messages on her phone. Practically everyone she knew had texted her. “All of this really did happen.” She laid back on the bed and closed her eyes.

She rolled over onto her stomach and dialed home. “Mom?”

“Kelly! We’re so proud of you. The show called and told us everything. We taped it so you can watch it again with us.” Mom was talking faster than a gunshot.

“CB! Kelly’s on the phone. Pick up the line in the kitchen.”

“How’s my winning girl? I’m so proud of you.” Dad’s voice was as chipper as she’d ever heard it.

“Thanks, Daddy. I’m so sorry I couldn’t tell you about it. It was in the contract. I felt like the worst daughter in the world, leaving like that.”

“Don’t be silly. They explained everything. You were so brave, Kelly! I could never go to that big city alone.”

“I can’t wait to tell you all about it.”

“And about Andrew,” Mom said, with a hint of accusation.

“Am I crazy, Mom? Dad, what do you think? I didn’t even know he was in the competition, but before I left, we had some nice time together…and here, things have been so good.”

“Like old times?” Dad asked.

“Even better. Because I’m stronger than I ever was. I think it’s good I’ve been on my own and have found success. I’m not sure I’d have believed I could do everything I’ve done by myself had all that not happened.”

“You’re a remarkable young lady, Kelly,” Mom said. “I don’t think you’re crazy at all. I told you before that I thought you still missed him. I had a feeling love was coming back into your life.”

An odd sense of déjà vu filled her, and then Kelly remembered that was almost exactly what the woman at the airport had said. She reached for the card she’d left on the nightstand in case she got a chance to go. “I’ll see y’all in the morning. My flight gets in pretty late. I can’t wait to see you.”

“Come to the diner for an early breakfast,” Dad said. “I’ll make your favorite.”

“You’re on.” She hung up the phone and made short work of packing her things. With her bags packed and next to the door, she set her alarm on her phone and then laid down to rest.

Kelly woke up and scrambled for her phone. Thank goodness it was still early enough. She went downstairs, checked her bags with the bellman, and asked them to hail a cab to take her to Andrew’s hotel.

Inside, she asked the front desk clerk to ring his room for her. “Hi, Andrew.”

“Hey. What’s up? Couldn’t you sleep?”