Page 34 of More Than an Ex-Girlfriend

“I’m glad you’re happy.” Her smile is visible in the fading light.

I sip my tea. “I am. Everyone here is great. But I haven’t exactly opened up about my past. Only Grayson knows how I lost my parents. It’s just not something you announce to people. And it hasn’t come up in conversation.”

“I get it. Layla knows a little about my mom, but Layla asks a lot of questions.” She laughs. “But I kind of needed someone like that, I think.”

“Someone you couldn’t avoid talking to.” When she shivers, I hand over the blanket. “I like Layla. She’s fun. And her husband is nice. I met him the other day when I went to pick you up.”

“He’s great. Perfect for her.” She points as an owl swoops past the porch and lands in the tree.

We watch in comfortable silence until it moves on to other hunting grounds.

The question of us sits off in the corner, ignored, and we both pretend this is the way all friends behave. And as long as she’s in any sort of danger, I’ll go along with the delusion.

Rustling leaves draw our attention back to the tree. Lettie gasps as a large raccoon scrambles down the tree, then scurries along the grass.

“Oh, look. It’s a raccoon.” I’m a breath away from saying something about her username when she turns to look at me. And I stop myself in time.

She yawns, and I pick up my mug.

“Time for bed.” I help her out of the chair. “It’s nice out here.”

“It is. Thanks for getting these patio chairs.”

“I’m glad I did.” I might have to rethink my position on these romantic porch sits, but for now, I like them. Too much.

* * *

Mason jumpsup and down as he nears the end of the level. “I’m gonna beat it this time.” He’s dodging and ducking just like his character as he moves through the game.

My phone buzzes, and I check my messages.

Regretful-Raccoon: Hi. It’s me again. Sorry about the deleted message. Maybe you read it before I deleted it, but I guess it doesn’t matter. My ex and I are friends again, and that is more than I expected after the way our initial meeting went. I hope things are good with you. This will probably be my last message.

She can see that I’ve read it, so I send a thumbs-up. Since it’s her last message, I don’t feel like I have to admit that she’s been messaging me for months. I like how things are between us now.

Before I close the app, another message pops up.

Regretful-Raccoon: I really enjoyed chatting with you. You might not be my age or live anywhere close, but I did feel a connection. It seems weird to say that to someone I’ll never meet in person, but it’s true. But I’m not sure I’ll ever be over my ex. I don’t want to be over him. Maybe that’s part of the problem. Bye for real this time.

After checking Mason’s progress, I type out a message.

Crocheting-Cowboy: I felt the connection too.

It’s not a lie. But neither is it the entire truth.

When Mason reaches the end of his level, he collapses into a recliner. “Finally. You take a turn. I’m going to get a drink.”

“We could have dessert. Ms. Ava left us some chocolate cake.”

He shakes his head. “I don’t want cake. I’m just thirsty.”

Never have I known Mason to turn down any kind of dessert. “You feeling okay?”

“Yeah.” He wanders into the kitchen.

As I get my game queued up, I listen to make sure he’s not finding trouble in the mess hall. Thankfully, he’s a good kid and seems to avoid trouble.

My game has just started when he flops into a recliner.

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