“I’m sure they would.” Reggie shifts his position against Serena and sighs happily. I just shake my head as Serena laughs and continues to stroke him.
“He’s so uncomfortable here,” I say with a roll of my eyes.
“I see that.” There’s a beat as we both gaze at my adorable dog, and then Serena says, “Hey, circling back to the subject of wine tasting, I’m having a wine tasting here next week. A few friends, a bunch of different wines, Ria’s going to whip up some munchies. Do you and Chloe want to come?”
“That sounds fun. Let me see how she feels about it.”
“She’s welcome to come and bring Reggie, and if she gets bored, she can hang in my guest room where there’s a big TV and all the streaming services.”
“Perfect.”
I thought I could at least wait until the next day before I caved and texted Marina, but I was wrong. It seems that wine lowers not only my inhibitions but also my resolve.
Hi.
A super creative text, it’s true, especially for somebody who writes for a living, though I do follow it up with a smiley emoji. So, there’s that.
It doesn’t take long for Marina to respond. The dots start bouncing right away.Ciao, bella. Can’t sleep either?
I frown, then notice the time. Nearly one in the morning. Apparently, wine also renders me unable to tell time.
OMG, I type,I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize it was so late. Ignore me. Go back to sleep.
The dots bounce again, then,I wasn’t sleeping, and I have no desire to ignore you.
A pleasant little flutter shows up in my stomach, and I try to pretend I’m not smiling, but I am. Of course I am. I type,Why aren’t you sleeping? It’s late.
The dots bounce, then stop for a moment, then bounce some more, then stop again, as if Marina’s having trouble finding the right words.Too many thoughts.It’s a simple, vague explanation that I admire. It’s exactly something I’d send, too.
I can relate to that.I nod as I hit send.My brain never stops.
A beat goes by. Then,How’s the writing?
That perks me up.Much better than last week.
Fantastica! I’m so glad to hear that.
I can’t remember the last time somebody played cheerleader for me. It’s nice.Yeah. Feels a little better. Still a long way to go, but…I let it hang and send it.
Well, I have another idea, if you need more inspiration.She follows that up with a Cupid’s arrow emoji, a heart emoji, and a devil, which is an interesting combination, to say the least.
Oh, really?I type back.
Yes. But we don’t walk. It’s a bit farther, though not far.
I grin as my fingers fly over the keys.Mysterious! I’m in. When?
Her response is immediate, as if she’d already typed it and was just waiting to hit send.Tomorrow?
I literally feel it as my grin blossoms into a wide smile. I admit it. I even laugh softly and try not to overanalyze how much I actuallywantto spend time with this woman.That sounds perfect. I need to work in the morning, but pick me up in the afternoon?
The dots bounce and her words pop up.I’ll be there by 3.She follows that up with a heart eyes emoji.
Can’t wait, I send.
Sleep well, bella.
I pretend that I don’t notice it’s the second time in thisconversation she’s called me beautiful. Lots of pretending tonight. Lots of ignoring what’s actually happening in my head, in my heart. I’m very good at it, really, feigning obliviousness, and I continue to do so as I brush my teeth and wash my face and slip between the sheets and snuggle with my dog.
