Page 16 of Sexting the Silverfox

“I need to go upstairs and warm up by the radiator,” I say, suddenly freezing and no longer willing to be out in the open like this. “I’ll see you when you get back. Have a great service at church.”

“Of course, honey, you go on up and get warm,” Mrs. Ashel says, gently squeezing my hand before turning away.

I watch her as she walks up the road, her heels clicking on the pavement. Most of the snow is gone, but the freezing temperatures remain. At least it’s a dry end to this wretched season because the last thing any of us needs is to figure-skate across the street to the nearest 7-Eleven. Mrs. Ashel is a sweetheart. Always kind and generous. Always worried about me. Always brings me a slice of whatever she bakes over the weekend.

It dawns on me for the umpteenth time that I haven’t made any true friends in this city. It’s been two years, but I’m still worried. I try telling myself that I’m safe here, that I’ve been safe the whole time. My family is in the past, where they belong. And while it breaks my heart, it’s for the best.

I decide to put the dark thoughts aside as I rush into the building to get warm, or at least try to.

Chapter 7

Audrey

What are you wearing?

Jason gets a kick out of texting me the same message every evening. It’s become our little inside joke, and I enjoy describing in full detail every layer of clothing that I’ve got on. The heat is supposed to be up and working again by tomorrow. I’m counting the hours at this point, nestled on my sofa with a glass of mulled wine and a thick blanket wrapped up around me. The TV is on, but I’m not paying attention.

I’m too busy enjoying my usual back-and-forth with Jason. He’s at home and just put Lily to bed. I’d love to meet her. I’d like to know what she’s like. There’s a good chance that getting to know her will give me a clue about the inner workings of Jason’s life and his character. He has been nothing but honest with me, but our children are our mirrors, whether we like it or not.

My baby blue jammies, I write to Jason.

My fingers are cold, even though the radiator is literally at my feet.

I know those. They’re cute. What else?

My bathrobe. And a blanket.

That’s not enough. Get another blanket. Or, better yet, let me come pick you up and take you over to Lake View.

My heart tightens ever so slightly. I know he just wants me to be comfortable, but I can’t get over this reticence; it’s illogical. We’ve been together, sort of, for almost a month now. Jason has repeatedly offered to have me stay in Lake View, and I have consistently rejected him every time.

It’s too far from work, I say it again. But thank you. I’m okay. The heat is back on tomorrow.

Your stubbornness annoys and turns me on at the same time, he shoots back.

Next time I see you, it’ll be at my place, I tell him. And I won’t be wearing anything.

You’ll open the door naked? What will Mrs. Ashel say?

She’ll be wearing her birthday suit, too. I wouldn’t be surprised if everybody in this building goes buck naked to celebrate having the heat back on, I reply, a grin on my face as I type.

Thanks for the mental image of a naked Mrs. Ashel.

Honestly, though, I type and giggle at the same time, thank you for being so involved with The Emerald and everyone’s concerns here. I wish all landlords were like you.

It’s my pleasure. I take pride in doing my job right. Off to bed, Audrey. The kids count on you first thing in the morning.

I check the time and gasp. Jason is right; it’s almost midnight. I have to be up before six in the morning if I want to get in that first coffee before I head to work.

Always looking out for me. Sweet dreams, Jason.

He replies with a kissing emoticon.

A knock on the door startles me.

Something doesn’t feel right. I know it’s not Jason. He’d tell me if he was coming over. And besides, we just said goodnight to each other. “Who the hell comes knocking at midnight?” I mutter to myself and slowly get up from the sofa.

Another knock.

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