Calc does not call for creativity. It does not feed my soul. It does not let me express myself.
But it is a required math class for my major, so I slog my way through and pat myself on the back for every little accomplishment.
For the big ones, like scoring a B+ on my test this morning, I treat myself to something nice.
And by “something nice,” I mean cupcakes.
The Sweet Spot is a bakery just a few blocks from campus and I’d sell my soul for one of their S’mores cupcakes, so that’s the perfect reward for my incomparable feat of earning an 88% on the exam from hell.
I’m enjoying my cupcake and a caramel coconut latte when my phone starts blowing up. I figure it’s Em because she’s the one who texts me the most, but when I check my screen, I see a message from Gran. I’ve finally broken her of the habit of emailing me, so when she sends a text, I feelobligated to read it immediately and respond. Positive reinforcement and all that.
Gran: Dear Fallon, how is your day? Love, Gran
Gran: Grandad and I are meeting Judy and Frank Lipman for a round of Bridge, but I wanted to see how you’re doing. We missed you at brunch the past two weeks. I hope your foot is feeling better. Grandad’s over his cold.
Fallon: Have fun at playing Bridge! And yes, my foot is fully healed. I’m so glad Grandad is feeling better.
Gran: I guess we won’t see you this Sunday either? Are you still flying off to Vegas?
I smile to myself because I’m just going to visit my brother for a quick trip. I’m not flying halfway across the world. My sister is, though. She and mom will be in Paris for a week for a competition. But of course, Gran worries about me more.
Fallon: Yep. I’ll tell Booker you and Grandad send your love.
Gran: Please do. And give Ian a hug for us, too. I miss my boys. Have you started packing yet? Do you need packing cubes? They’re such space savers.
Gran: And pack extra undergarments in your carry on in case your luggage is lost.
Gran: Are you sure you don’t want us to come with you? I’m sure I could get all three of us on a flight.
Fallon: I’m perfectly fine going by myself. And I’m only taking a carryon, so I’ll be all set.
Gran: All right. But you must promise to have dinner with us when you get back. There’s a new seafood restaurant near Bainbridge that we’ve been wanting to try. Perhaps we’ll invite Philip. I know you aren’t looking for a beau, but it’s always nice to make new friends.
Fallon: Dinner with you and Grandad sounds good. We’ll pick a day when I get back.
Ugh. There's no way I’m getting out of dinner with Philip, but at least I’ll be able to go to Vegas by myself. I’m really looking forward to getting away. Living with the hockey guys is fun—and they are way better roommates than Kendra and Cody—but I’m still looking forward to being on my own for twenty-four hours, and I’m really looking forward to having Booker all to myself. Well, I’ll share him with Ian, of course. Booker has always been my rock, and it’s been hard to live so far away from him.
This solo trip to Vegas is just what I need.
Of course, I may also need another S’mores cupcake for the road.
As I get into line for my to-go snack, my phone buzzes vibrates in my pocket. I can guarantee it’s Gran, and she’s probably texting to make sure I get to the airport two hours before my flight. I love her, though, and I know she’llkeep texting if I don’t answer, so I reach for my phone and unlock the screen.
But the text isn’t from Gran. It’s from Liza.
Liza: Just giving you a heads up that there will probably be a party at the house tonight. I don’t anticipate mechanical bull level shenanigans, but there will definitely be celebrating.
Fallon: Is it someone’s birthday?
Liza: Nope. they just voted on the captain. I just finished sewing the C on Ollie’s jerseys.
Fallon: Thanks for the warning!
I’m not really worried that the guys will get out of hand, but I am excited for Ollie. We’ve had our differences, sure, and I can’t quite figure out if my feelings for him lean more toward lust or annoyance, but I really am happy for him. He deserves this. Ollie loves his team and I know he’d do anything for them. I’m glad the guys see it as well.
When I’m next in line, I scan the case and find that they’ve got one more S’mores cupcake left. Phew. But my eyes also snag on something else. It’s a small cake, probably a smash cake for a first birthday, and it features a bright red boat with a duck on top. He's wearing a captain’s hat. It’s a ship captain’s hat, but a captain is a captain, right?
“You love me,” Ollie says, signing as he speaks even though we’re the only ones in the room and it’s quiet in the kitchen. Well, except for his repeated claims.
