Page 43 of Love You Madly

Haha! I won’t. What’s your favorite movie?

I pause, wondering if this conversation feels as easy for her as it does for me. There’s this connection, and I find myself hoping it’s not just in my head.

Callie:

The Princess Bride. It’s got everything: adventure, romance, humor.

Me:

As you wish.

There’s a beat, and I wonder if she’s laughing on the other side. I wonder what her laugh sounds like. I imagine it in my head–soft, sweet. God, why does it feel like I’ve known her for years?

Callie:

Haha! Okay, serious question. What’s your biggest fear?

My fingers freeze above the screen. At this point, I can either deflect or give her a real answer. My gut tells me to trust her.

Me:

I’m afraid of failing my son. When his mom and I split, I left because I didn’t want him growing up seeing two people who didn’t love each other. But sometimes I wonder if I could have done more, or if I made the right choice.

The silence after I hit send feels heavy like I’ve exposed too much. But then her message comes through, and it’s like she’s right here with me, offering reassurance without even trying.

Callie:

That says a lot about what a great dad you really are. Bad parents don’t worry about whether or not they are bad parents.

I blink at her words, feeling the warmth of them settle into my chest. I breathe easier, releasing some of the tension that started to build back up inside me. She doesn’t just get it–she getsme.

Me:

I hope you’re right.

Callie:

I am.

I smile, feeling a warmth spread through me at her words. I stretch out, shifting to get more comfortable, my feet propped up on the coffee table.

Me:

Alright, enough of the heavy stuff! What’s something you’ve always wanted to learn?

I don’t have to wait long for her answer.

Callie:

I’ve always wanted to learn guitar, but being left-handed made it tough. My boyfriend got frustrated teaching me, as I had to do everything backward, and my hands cramped awkwardly. I learned “Smoke on the Water,” but ultimately, I gave up.

Me:

Well, your ex sounds like a real turd. I’m a leftie too, by the way. So I feel your pain. Sketching was always a pain in the ass because my hand always smeared what I was working on.

Callie:

Haha! So true! That was the worst part about art class. So frustrating! Do you have any siblings?

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