“I probably should—it’s pretty late,” I said, not wanting to get off the phone but knowing it was the responsible thing to do.
“Yeah, I suppose you’re right,” he replied, a serious expression crossing his face for the briefest of seconds. His eyes seemed to search mine as he said, “I’m sure you have more pizza to eat, anyway.”
“Therearea few leftover pieces,” I agreed, and there was something so warm and comfortable about our mutual teasing that I was already homesick for it, even though we weren’t even off the phone yet.
We made plans for him to pick me up the following day, after work, to get things rolling with my car. But after the call was disconnected, I couldn’t settle down enough to even consider sleep. I was wired, all keyed up from hours of Blake, and I kind of didn’t know what to do with myself.
I turned off the lights, lay down, and was trying to force sleep when my phone buzzed on my nightstand.
I rolled over and picked it up.
Blake:You awake?
I grabbed my glasses and slid them back on my nose before responding.Sadly, yes. Wide awake.
Blake:Good.
Izzy:Mean.
Blake:I was thinking—you should probably come over to my place tomorrow.
I gasped and sat straight up in bed.Whaaaat?He wanted me to come over? How was I even supposed to respond to that?
Blake:I leave for Boston really early Wed. morning, so I should probably show you everything you need to know about the cats.
That’s right—the cats. I rubbed my fingertips over my eyebrows and sighed. Texted,That works. After we go to the impound lot?
Blake:Yeah. I was thinking I can order a pizza for you to inhale while you meet the boys.
I was trying to keep my brain from overload, but I was going to be eating dinner with Blake tomorrow. Just Blake and me, alone in his apartment. With his very big bed. And his pull-up abdominals.
Gahhhh.
I was trying to get a grip on that when he sent another text.
Blake:Would you consider staying at my apartment while I’m gone? I feel bad asking, but I hate leaving Goodyear alone even more. And this way you won’t have to keep coming and going; way easier.
Stay at Blake’s apartment?!
I responded:Um.
Blake:It’s close to work, too, so you won’t have to mess with the bus. Three-minute walk.
I wanted to say yes, but it felt like a bad idea. A terrible idea. A colossally bad, terrible idea. My phone buzzed yet again, and I felt my cheeks go warm when I read his message.
Blake:I AM BEGGING. I’ll even let you sleep on my brand-new (being delivered Wed.) California king (with adjustable firmness) that is touted as the equivalent of sleeping on a cloud—that’s how desperate I am.
Staying at Blake’s apartment. Sleeping in Blake’s bed.What in God’s name is happening?Was I having a dream? I slapped my cheek and no—not a dream.
Izzy:Can I use your building’s amenities?
Blake:Of course.
Izzy:Can I eat pizza in your new bed?
Blake:Of course NOT.
I pulled back the covers and got out of bed. I might as well go grab a book, because there was no way I was going to go back to sleep now. Life just got really interesting, and my brain was preparing to explode.