Page 87 of Head Over Heels

I realize that this is the answer to the rhetorical question I’d asked Brooks the other night. I hired Liv because my subconscious self wanted to tie her to us as long as I could.

Forever if possible.

Only it wasn’t.

“I’m glad you like Gillian,” I say, ruffling Katie’s hair and kissing her soft cheek.

I head downstairs. I’m too mentally tired and burnt to want to do anything other than watch a movie, so I grab my iPad and open the Netflix app.

Hey.

My heart pounds. It’s a text from Liv.

That’s a cute picture of Katie.Thanks.

Not exactly the response I was hoping for…but something.You’re welcome.

What are you doing?

I think,Missing you.I text,I was going to watch a movie.

Which one?

You won’t believe it.

Try me.

Wonder Woman.

Chase!

I know, I know. But it does have superheroes and war and explosions. How’s the drive so far?

There’s a long pause.Fine. Thinking about watching a movie, too.MaybeFor a Good Time, Call…

What’s that?

Roommates, phone sex.

She sends me a link to an article.

Chick flicks guys like, huh. OK. I’d watch that.

I was going to ask if you wanted to. Watch it with me, I mean.

I thought maybe you meant have phone sex.

Long silence.

You are so juvenile. Don’t make me regret asking you.

I chuckle.We never watch the same movie.

I know, but this is an extenuating circumstance.

Extenuating, how?

I’m standing outside your front door.