Page 15 of Burn It Down

You’re right about that.

I’m stressing over what to say next, not wanting the conversation to end when my phone chirps again.

Dylan 9:02pm

I don’t think I ever said thank you for saving me from that brick. Too stunned I guess. But thanks.

Jacob 9:02pm

No problem. I’m sorry your shop is being attacked.

Dylan: 9:03pm

Not your fault.

Jacob 9:03pm

Hopefully the cameras will catch the bastards responsible.

When a few minutes go by with no response, I start to get desperate. I’m not ready for this to be over…whateverthisis.

Jacob 9:08pm

Before I forget, the clutch on my Corvette is sticking. Can I make an appointment for that?

Immediately, I feel so transparent.Of course,I can make an appointment for that. It’sliterallywhat they do.I try to back pedal, but as I’m typing, Dylan’s message pops up first.

Dylan 9:10pm

You know how to drive stick-shift? Figured your kind preferred to let the car do all the work for you. ;)

My heart comes to a dead stop. Did he justwinkat me? Oh, to have seen that in real life. I swallow hard, choosing my next words carefully.

Jacob 9:11pm

I’m going to pretend you didn’t just lump me in the same category as rich assholes who have no appreciation for the finer things in life…

Dylan 9:11pm

Finer as in…?

Jacob 9:12pm

As in days out on the lake, drinks with friends, laughing so hard your face hurts, a good workout that leaves you breathless and writhing on the floor, and of course – a joyride at 100mph in a six-speed.

Dylan 9:13pm

And here I thought the list would include Gucci, Rolex, a round of golf, and some fancy bourbon that costs $1000 a bottle.

I can no longer tell if he’s joking or not, but I don’t feel playful anymore. Stupidly, I’d given him an unguarded, honest answer about what I enjoy most in life and he’s just thrown it in my face with some ignorant comment about my money. If that’s the box he’s going to put me in, I’d hate to disappoint him.

Jacob 9:15pm

Actually, I’m more of a vodka drinker.

And my Rolex is telling me it’s time for bed since I have an early tee time tomorrow.

Goodnight.

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