Maybe Later(38)

JSpear84: Cats walk?

AWalk90: I believe they do. That’s why they have four legs.

JSpear84: [expressionless emoji]

JSpear84: You said you’ll be walking them.

AWalk90: Are you grumpy today? You might want to try something to take the edge off. A run, sex, your hand, so many possibilities.

I stare at the phone. What did I just text? At least I didn’t offer my own hand.

JSpear84: And the comedian sets up her soapbox. I’m asking about the cat walk.

AWalk90: I found leashes for cats at the petstore. So, I thought, Amy why don’t you try? Although, I can already see Ramen refusing to be pulled around. She’s a very independent feline.

JSpear84: She must be as headstrong as her owner.

AWalk90: I plead the fifth.

JSpear84: Have a good Sunday, Miss Walker.

AWalk90: You too, Mr. Spearman.

AWalk90 has sent you a playlist.

JSpear84: Is that my playlist of the week or just for the weekend?

AWalk90: Let me know what you think. Enjoy!





*



Sunday, May 1st, 9:57 a.m.



When I arrive home from Wash Park, I take a shower and start the washing machine while I load my bedding into the dryer. Instead of oatmeal, I prepare myself a juice and toast with Nutella. Which reminds me of Jack and after two hours I’ve conquered my stupid, nonsensical feelings for Jackson Spearman. I check my schedule and decide it’s the best time to set up my laptop and talk to Laura.

“Hey, Lau!” I greet her when her face appears on the screen with a broomstick in her hand and a bandana covering her red hair. “You look different. Where’s the infant?”

“Ha!” She rolls her eyes. “What’s going on, Emmeline.”

“Nothing much. I’m just going along with my Sunday program which includes a call to my favorite person,” I tell her. “Where is Roger, your dog?”

She smiles and shakes her head. “You can’t pick on Simone, so it’s my turn. Why do I love you?”

“Because I’m amazing and I wrote all your lit papers freshman year?” I tilt my head waiting for her to either laugh or roll her eyes.

“God, I can’t believe they never caught us. I was terrified.”

“It wasn’t the first time I had to do a report for two people. Amy used to beg me to help her too. I saved her ass during high school,” I tell her, and that’s when my lungs deflate.

“Hey, did I tell you about Alistair?” Laura asks promptly.

“What’s up with him?”

“There’s a rumor they might close the company he’s working for,” she says a little panicked.

“That’s not good. Why don’t we start looking for something?” I suggest. “You still have some HR connections?”

She nods, twisting her lips.

“So, what are you up to?” I ask because it’s Sunday and there’s nothing we can do. I’m not going to worry because it will only make her worry more.

“I’m cleaning the house, living large,” she says yawning.

“Look at you, so fashionable. I should check that marriage box off my to-do list and have a child. Seems joyful.” I give her a narrowed gaze, pretending I’m judging her.

“Are you telling me I look like shit?”

“No, I’m telling you maybe we should try to get you out of the house every once in a while. You know, put on a little makeup and some real clothing. I mean, you’re starting to look like me.”

Laura takes off her bandana and fixes her auburn hair. “My husband loves me just the way I am.”

“He better or I’d bury him alive. I’m happy that you two are happy,” I say, smiling at the screen. I do envy her just a little because they have an incredible relationship and I would love to have someone like Al by my side.

Well not like him. We’d be done with each other within a day. What I want is someone who understands me and loves me like Al does Laura.

“So, I assume you went out on a date with,” she pauses and bats her eyelashes. “The hottest guy in Colorado!”

“Hey, come on. I didn’t fangirl like that yesterday morning,” I defend myself.

“I reserve the right to reenact the shit out of it,” she says. “You seemed smitten with him. What’s happening?”

“Jack is hard to explain. He’s sweet and patient too,” I say closing my eyes for a few seconds. I savor the memory of our first kiss and the one he gave me when he dropped me at home. “You know when you feel like you’ve known someone your whole life even though you just met?”

“No,” she responds, giving me a curious look. “But that sounds like something you would experience. I’m surprised that you’re even considering spitting the word, magic, again. Do you believe in it?”

“I never stopped believing in it,” I correct her.

“Which means there were sparks with Jack,” she concludes.

I sigh and nod without telling her that there’s magic happening with Jackson Spearman too. The same magic that I pushed away during yoga, but for some fucked up reason is back.

“So, even if things don’t work out romantically with him, you two are still going to be best friends,” she concludes. “At least, you can check off your friend box. Once you find a great connection, you don’t let go. What’s he like?”