Page 27 of Only After We Met

If someone read our emails, they’d think we were crazy. But like you said, we’re up on the moon, right? So don’t feel pressured to tell me anything. I’d rather just know what you want to tell me, even if I keep asking you questions nonstop. That’s just how I am. And sorry if I’m kind of absent these days; I’m in the library living off of crackers and sandwiches from the machine. My life’s pathetic right now, so you’re the one whose job it is to say interesting stuff. How’s everything in LA? Is it still all beautiful and sunny? (I’m sure it is, but be nice and don’t make me jealous.) Did you find a job? Are you already at your friend Logan’s place?

From: Rhys Baker

To: Ginger Davies

Subject: RE: Sorry

I had that same weird feeling when we met in Paris. It doesn’t seem possible that it was five months ago. I remember it like it was yesterday, but at the same time like something far, far away. I know that doesn’t make much sense…but I feel like you’d understand.

I like thinking that we share the same insanity, Ginger.

Don’t worry, just study. You don’t have to keep me entertained. But try and eat something better than crackers and sandwiches if you can. Remember, soon you’ll be free. Do you have plans for the summer? I think I’ll stick around here until Septemberor October, but I’m not sure. I’m at Logan’s. This morning we hit the waves for a bit. (I think I’m getting my groove back, and it’s been years since I surfed.) I have an interview in three days at a club on the beach. The money’s okay, and I get free drinks. So wish me luck.

From: Ginger Davies

To: Rhys Baker

Subject: Goooood luuuuuccck!

Just so you know, tomorrow I’ll spend the whole day sending tons of positive energy your way from the other side of the world, and I’ll keep my fingers crossed while I think about you.

My laptop battery’s about to die, so I’ll go ahead and send this before it shuts off. Sorry for still being so absent! The torture (my exams) is almost over. I think I’ll just lie down in bed and close my eyes without getting undressed, that’s how tired I am. Tell me something fun, Rhys.

From: Rhys Baker

To: Ginger Davies

Subject: RE: Goooood luuuuuccck!

Well, your energy must have reached me, because I got the job. I’m happy. The place is sick. The mixing table’s on a wooden stand in the middle of the beach, I can be up there DJing barefoot, watching people have fun, and when my shift’s over, I can join the party. It’s nice, the thought of working by the sea.

Something fun, something fun…?

Okay. I’m addicted to pasta, spaghetti, ramen, udon, whatever… When I was a kid, I thought it was neat how it was shaped. Don’t ask me why I was such an idiot. Also, I used to be scared to get on a Ferris wheel. Let me rephrase that: it still scares the shit out of me. If you’re laughing, stop. I’m also terrified of big grasshoppers; they’re so ugly.

I hope these confessions make your night go by better.

I also hope you’re not too tired.

And that you did well on your exams.

Get some rest, Ginger.

From: Ginger Davies

To: Rhys Baker

Subject: DONE!

I finished! I can hardly believe it, honestly. I don’t know how I did on the rest of my exams (well, I think), but right now all I can think about is how I won’t have to touch another boring textbook until next semester begins. I’m ready to spend the summer reading novels and wasting time.

Maybe I should warn you: this email’s going to go on forever, because I have so much to tell you after so many days. So get comfortable and grab some popcorn.

First things first: I can’t stop thinking about you liking pasta so much. I know it’s silly, but I’m over here like, “Oh, that’s so cute!” Plus it just doesn’t seem like you. You don’t strike me as someone who’d care about stuff like that. You made me rememberthat night in Paris in your attic (I still think of it as your home) when we were eating those cup noodles, sitting on the bed, and talking nonstop. You’re right about time though; I feel the same way: sometimes it’s like it was years ago; other times like it was last week. And sometimes—note the craziness here—it’s like it never happened at all. I know, right?

I agree about the grasshoppers…

As for Ferris wheels though…are you for real? I can’t believe it! It’s not like it’s supposed to be scary. That got me thinking (what doesn’t?), and I was imagining you coming to London and me taking you to the London Eye. It’s 450 feet tall; until 2006 it was the biggest one in the world. We could go up there together. I’d figure out a way for you not to be afraid so you could enjoy the views.

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