The truth is, ever since our dinner in the city over a month ago, I’ve been distracted.
Connor showing up at all was a punch to the gut I wasn’t prepared for, but showing up with a serious girlfriend on his arm felt like a knife straight to the heart. To wrap up the whole mess of a day, he texted me for the first time in years. I saw the text the second it came through. After a quick inner struggle over how to respond, I decided not to because I owe him nothing. Any tension between us is on him. It can’t be my job to fix it.
Then, my good senses gave way to delirium as I did nothing but think about his message for the next ninety-seven minutes—yes, I counted. One message, I thought. One blunt reply so I could close the open tab in my brain and finally get some sleep.
Spoiler: I didn’t sleep.
Connor hasn’t messaged me since. But it’s fine. I’m fine. Everything’s fine.
Spoiler: I’m not fine.
Many sleepless nights later, I’m here working on the final plans for my trip which is now only three weeks away. I distract myself on Reddit and Yelp, browsing reviews for hiking trails and restaurants, and cross-referencing them with Mom’s recommendations. I do a deep dive into the resort’s amenities, considering if and when we’ll be able to take advantage of them.
Five nights at a nice resort might have been overkill, but a cheap motel didn’t really screambirthday celebration. Between the resort, airfare and the detective, my emergency credit card has taken a beating, which is why I’ve vowed not to use it again until it’s paid off.
I click over to the resort’s photo gallery to get a lay of the land at the same time my phone pings from the bedside table. Laptop pushed aside, I grab my phone and roll onto my back, holding it above me to read the text.
Drew
The only flight I could get with my miles lands me in Phoenix three hours after you. You cool to hang out in the airport to wait for me?
Me
No problem.
Drew
How are we getting to Sedona?
Crap.New York living has become so second nature to me with ride shares and public transit that I didn’t even consider how we’d be getting around.
Me
Umm…Uber?
Drew
Seriously? It’s like a two hour drive.
Me
Right…I’d rent a car but I’m not 25, soooooo…
Drew
HA! Ok. I’ll get a car.
Me
Let me know what I owe you.
There goes my plan to stop spending money.
Drew
I got it.
Me
