Page 102 of The Now in Forever
My favorite emails, though, are the ones where he talks to me about nothing. Like the one he sent me last night.
Message sent: Friday September 20th 1:53 a.m.
If we were spies, what would our code names be?
Love,
Ed
P.S. I miss you.
Peeling myself out of bed, it’s too perfect a morning to pass up a run. The shelves will still be there to clean when I get back. Smiling in my kitchen alone, I brew some coffee. Miss doesn’t even begin to describe my feelings for him. I’m dressing in my running gear when the answer finally comes to me.
Message sent: Friday September 20th 5:53 a.m.
My code name would be Hush Hush. Yours would be Covert. We would have them embroidered on satin jackets like the pink ladies inGrease. The real question is, what or who would we be spying on?
Love,
Hattie
P.S. I miss you too.
Putting in my earbuds, I turn my audiobook up and head out the door on my run. The nip in the air is much fiercer outside than in my drafty apartment, making me glad I chose running tights and not shorts. The leaves are turning from their summer green to vibrant yellows and oranges with the occasional pop of red. The air smells of lit fireplaces, the occasional whiff of coffee and the ocean.
Stopping at a bakery on my way back, I order an egg bagel sandwich. Once I’m home and biting into the savory treat, I open my email again, hoping for the next one from Ed but knowing he’s probably not up yet.
Right at the top is an email from Mandy, the agent interested in my book. I sent her my manuscript last week, after I made the suggested edits on my novel, which I finished late at night in my bed as a salve for my anxiety. It was nice to escape into the fictional problems rather than the real-life question of if I made the right decision.
A mix of excitement and dread bubbles up from my toes, settling in my stomach as I open her email.
Message sent: Friday September 20th 6:41 a.m.
I love the changes! Would love to get on a call to discuss working together on this and future projects. When would be a good time?
Mandy
Holy shit. Holy shit. This is happening. My story is on its way to being a real book. I dial without thinking, my face staring back at me as I wait for him to answer.
Ed picks up on the second ring, his eyes sleepy, shirtless in the bed.
“Hattie…” He rubs his eyes. “Is everything okay?”
“Ed, I’m pretty sure I just got a literary agent.”
“Hattie! That’s amazing news! Although I’m not surprised. Your book is so good.” Ed read the latest version right after Mandy. He sits up, the blanket falling, exposing more of his bare chest.
“I know we’re not supposed to call. I was just so excited.”
“I’m glad you did.” His eyes are warm, his face sincere. My heartfills with stars. I don’t know what to say, so I’m not thinking when the next thing comes out.
“Do you think you’ll be able to make it to the opening?”
I invited Ed to Story Club Books's grand opening in an email last week. He repliedhow excitingbut never said if he could come.
He closes his eyes. “I’m not sure.”
I smile. “That’s okay. I was just curious. I miss you, Edgar Allen DeArmas.”
