It surprised me that instead of thinking about my job and what great experiences I would have today, I thought of Dylan and how much I looked forward to texting him tonight.
Chapter Three
Dylan
Me: Look what I bought today!
I attached a picture of my newest cactus. Or first ever cactus.
Mike: Aww, it looks so cute!
Me: Right?! I’ve never had one before, and usually I kill my plants. I figured thismightbe able to survive me.
Mike: Perhaps…
Me:*Gasp* You think I’ll kill it!
Mike:Maybe… I did hear about your old goldfish…
Me: How was I supposed to know it wouldn’t enjoy cheerios? I was ten!
Mike: Still…
I grinned at my phone. Mike and I had talked for a few weeks now, or rather, we’d texted. He remembered my food pictures and I got them at the end of his work day. It was the thing I looked forward to the most. I was heading into dangerous territory. I knew that, but I was so lonely while Pete was spending so much of his time with Jackson. The fact that Mike seemed interested in texting me, too, meant that he likely felt the same absence from Jackson as well.
Me:Maybe naming it will save it from its inevitable doom? Stabby? Globby?
Mike:Poki?
Me:OMG! Poki is adorable! I’m naming him that.
Mike:Glad to have helped save a life.
Me:Enough about my adorable Poki and your heroism. How was work today?
Mike and Ivar had to visit a family that owned a farm today to help them out on their daily tasks. Mike had been a mix of excited andterrified. Rightfully so, it sounded like hard work and Mike wasn’t used to that. At least not yet.
Mike:It went okay, a little tiresome but also sort of rewarding. My entire body is aching, though.
Me:At least you’re getting a break tomorrow. Any fun plans?
Mike:I might go clubbing with Ivar. It’ll be a long drive there but with Sunday off it should be fine. Besides, we don’t know when we’ll get the chance to have fun like that again.
Now, I knew that glaring at my phone wouldn’t fix anything, but I was deep into this with Mike, even if he didn’t know it, and likely never would. I didnotlike the idea of him going out and potentially finding someone else to spend the night with.
Me:Have fun!
Not!
Six months later.
Mike: I miss burgers so damn much!
Me: You can eat as many as you please when you return.
Mike: I had no idea that good burgers would be so hard to find here. I mean their food is great! There’s so much flavor and it tastes amazing, but what I’m really craving is a big juicy burger and some salty fries. I’d even beg for ketchup just for that sweet tangy taste on my tongue.
I giggled as I snapped a pic of my lunch and sent it.