Page 23 of Make Your Play

As I lie in bed, I flip through the TV channels before settling on some baking competition. It’s mindless background noise as I end up doom scrolling on my phone. I go through the various different social media apps until I end up watching a video about floral arrangements. Her voice sounds through the speaker,talking about a special arrangement they made for a wedding proposal.

The sound of her, the lilt of her laughter, has my heart constricting in my chest. Riley Harris has always been under my skin, but she’s been progressively burrowing herself deeper over the years. The past six months have been a roller coaster with her life circumstances and after witnessing her vulnerability, I find myself with her constantly on my mind.

I open my messages and tap on her name, not hesitating to text her. I’ve been resisting the urge long enough and I’m tired of waiting. We won’t be back in Aston for another eight days, and that’s eight days too long.

Nash

Hey wife.

Riley

Don’t you dare…

Nash

Too late.

Riley

I’ll let it slide this one time.

Nash

I don’t know, that might be my new name for you.

Riley

Don’t expect me to call you husband.

Nash

I would never.

Riley

Good. How was the game tonight? I saw you guys won.

Nash

Can I just FaceTime you?

Riley

Absolutely not. I’m naked in the bath right now.

Nash

So what you’re saying is I have perfect timing.

Riley

Nash Theodore Simmons.

Nash

Why must you do me dirty like that and use my middle name?

Riley

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