Page 55 of Love You Madly

On Thursday, I text her—just to check in, just to hear from her. But I’m careful. I keep it casual. She’s been giving me space, and maybe I should let that be enough.

Me:

Hey Callie, how’s your week going?

Her reply is quick, but there’s something… off.

Callie:

Busy but good. You?

Me:

Same. Work’s been nuts… But I wanted to tell you something.

I hesitate, staring at the screen. What am I doing?I don’t owe her anything–we’re just friends, right? But something about keeping this from her feels wrong.

Me:

We’re friends, yeah?

Callie:

I’d like to think so. Why?

Me:

Well, there’s a new nurse at work and I decided to ask her out for coffee tomorrow.

The bubbles pop in and out of view. What is she thinking? When her reply comes, it’s casual. Too breezy. After seeing the bubbles appear, disappear, and reappear so many times, I expected something more. Something stronger than the lukewarm response now staring back at me from the screen.

Callie:

Oh, that’s great! I hope it goes well. Need any dating advice?

I try to shake it off. She’s being cool about this. So why does it feel like I’m fucking this up? And why do I feel a bit disappointed and brushed off? It’s good that she’s not mad about it… right? Because we’re friends. Just friends. Like I wanted.Wanted.

Me:

Thanks! I might take you up on that. Any tips?

Callie:

Just be yourself. You’re pretty great, Owen.

Me:

Appreciate it. How about you? Any plans for the weekend?

Another pause.Then–

Callie:

Maybe. One of my exes came by the coffee shop. Asked me to hang out sometime. I’m considering it.

The words hit me harder than I expected. It shouldn’t matter—we’re just friends. But it does. Jealousy claws its way up my chest, irrational and angry.

Me:

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