Page 44 of Love You Madly

I walk to the kitchen, grabbing a soda from the fridge. The cool fizz feels good against my throat as I sit back down and type out my response.

Me:

Just my stepbrother, Luke. We didn’t grow up together, but we knew each other from school. Our parents got married after we graduated from college. But he’s been one of my best friends over the last ten years or so.

Callie:

Hold on…

You have a brother named Luke?

Me:

Yes… why?

Callie:

You are brothers named Owen and Luke?

Me:

Yes…

Callie:

Like Owen and Luke Wilson?! That’s hilarious.

I burst out laughing, shaking my head.

Me:

If you think that’s great, you’re going to really lose it when I tell you that my best friend’s name is Will and my cousin’s name is Vince.

Callie:

Haha! That’s awesome. You have the whole funny bunch.

Her response makes me wonder what her laugh sounds like.

Callie:

Must be nice to have a best friend as a brother. My sister and I get along now but she and I used to fight like cats and dogs.

I toss my phone onto the couch for a second, stretching again. I think about how easy it is to talk to her—how we’ve been texting for hours now, and it never feels like I’m struggling to find the next thing to say. It’s just… natural.

Me:

Yeah, he’s a great guy for sure.

I saw that you have some tattoos when I looked at the pictures on your profile. How many tattoos do you have and which one is your favorite?

Callie:

That’s a double-up question. But I’ll allow it. I have seven. And my favorite one is the cherry blossom tree on my right arm. I got it after I had my daughter.

Me:

SEVEN?! Damn, girl! I only have one.

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