Page 80 of Switch!
Trixie:Swap witch?
Travis:Better. The short version would be switch.
Trixie:It’s perfect!
Travis:It’s cheesy.
Trixie:Who doesn’t like cheese? So we have our code?
I think about it and laugh.
Travis:Works for me. I’ll start every texting session with that from now on.
Trixie:Secret passcodes… This is so cool!
Travis:Did you make it to your friend’s place okay?
Trixie:I’m all snuggled up in bed.
Travis:Good. I should let Jesse get back to sleep. I hope he texts you soon. That might be the only way we get to see each other. I don’t want to control him too much.
Trixie:Then I’ll be sure to text him.
Travis:Good idea. I’m out. Sleep well.
Trixie:You too.
After I figure out how to delete text messages on Jesse’s phone, I settled back into the sheets, feeling a warm sense of contentment as I think back on the day. I’m no closer to finding the answers I need, but at least I have a friend who is willing to help me.
— — —
Jesse gets a late start the next morning, but I’m not to blame. His shift doesn’t start until the afternoon. Colin is already gone by the time he gets up. Jesse seems to enjoy the quiet, leaving both music and the television turned off. He makes himself a fried egg on toast and eats it slowly while sipping coffee. When he’s finished, he reaches for his laptop, checks his email, and opens a web browser. I’m daydreaming through most of this, but when I see what he types into the search box, I’m instantly alert.
Caleb McCain obituary
The first result is a funeral home. The obituary itself doesn’t tell me anything I don’t already know. It’s only the last line that grabs my interest.
Services will be held at the Holy Scepter Funeral Home, August 16that 2pm.
That’s today!
I should attend.
The thought isn’t my own, because frankly, I’m not sure I can handle being there.
I wish Colin didn’t have to work today.
He wants emotional support. I can only think of one other person who understands the full gravity of the situation.
Stan.
Okay, him too. Jesse sends his partner a text, asking if he wants to go. Stan’s response is kind, but he promised his wife they would spend the day off together. Jesse will be paired up with a different partner for his shift later in the day. He responds by saying he understands, even though the thought of going alone depresses him.
Trixie, I think, hoping he’ll get the message.
Would that be appropriate?
She’ll be supportive,I mentally reply.No matter what’s real and what isn’t.
