Page 42 of Love Her

Barking out a laugh, he takes a drink before answering. “Six. Ashley T. on the playground behind a tree. She gave me a flower and I stole a kiss. It was epic for her I’m sure.”

Now it’s my turn to laugh. “I was thirteen. It was during the Fourth of July fireworks and not epic at all.”

Gone is the tension I heard in his voice talking about his time in the military, and in its place the easy conversation I’ve come to enjoy. We talk late into the night, the exhaustion I know I’ll face in the morning not a motivation to end the call, but it also doesn’t prevent me from yawning.

“Oh wow, it’s late. I should let you go.”

“I’m sorry. I swear, at one time I was cool and didn’t have a bedtime.”

“Don’t apologize. I’ll pick you up Sunday at noon?”

“I’ll be ready.”

Another yawn and this time, one comes through the line immediately after.

“Sweet dreams, Lis.”

“Night, Connor.”

We end the call and I set my phone on the stand next to my bed. My light was cut long ago. The peacefulness of a quiet dark room draws me into a deep slumber. Thoughts of curling into Connor’s side filling my dreams.

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