Page 124 of Off Season

She continues, “It might have just been a self-defense mechanism. You guys are new and undefined. Did you talk to her about what you would and wouldn’t be doing on the road before then? Did you have the conversation I encouraged you to have with her?”

I shake my head. “No, I didn’t. Maybe I should have. But,” I run my fingers through my hair, “she’s not like most women. She’s kind of like a dude.”

“But she’s not one, Cruz.”

Gemma means business. Sherarelycalls me Cruz.

“I don’t know, Gem, she was so casual about it. So unaffected. She simply got dressed after we had sex, told me to have a good time, and walked out my door in the middle of the night. I was practically in the fetal position sucking my thumb when she left.”

“She’s kind of a badass. I think I want to base a character on her.”

I nod enthusiastically. “She most definitely is, and you should.”

“She’s totally flipped the tables on you, but I saw you two together in Florida. I think there’s more going on. Have you reached out?”

I shake my head. “No. She didn’t indicate that she wanted me to contact her.”

Gemma rolls her eyes. “Oh, young cub, you still have so much to learn about women. Do me a favor, before you get any weepier, reach out to her. Test the waters and get back to me. I’ll be up for a few more hours.”

I twist my lips. “Okay. I will. Thanks, Gem.”

“My pleasure. Can I ask you for a favor?”

“Anything.”

“Leave the room so my husband and I can have phone sex without you jerking off in the corner.”

I chuckle as I nod. “Yes, ma’am.”

I step out of the room and into the hallway. Sliding down the wall until I’m seated on the carpeted hallway floor, I pull up my text string with Kamryn and start typing.

Me: Miss me this week?

Kam: New phone. Who ’dis?

She always makes me smile.

Me: It’s a thesaurus salesman. I heard you’re in the market.

Kam: I am! Perfect timing. Not only was my last thesaurus terrible, but it was also terrible.

I laugh out loud at that one. She’s so damn funny. I’m realizing it might be the first time I’ve smiled in a week.

Me: Whatcha up to, Kam bam?

Kam: I’m setting up my new legal research software. I splurged and bought the fancy kind. I need a password for it. Got anything good?

Me: How about mypenis? I use that as my password for everything.

Kam: Just tried it. The program says that it’s not long enough.

I chuckle. She’s always on.

Me: Good one.

Kam: How’s life on the road?

Me: Lonely. I miss you. No one here appreciates my forts.

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