Page 28 of Any Second Now
“Chickens are sneaky.” Elizabeth gently pushes Megghen through the wire door of the chicken coop. “If you have her loose inside ever—which I’m not sure I’d recommend—watch out for eggs in weird places.”
“Noted.” We watch Megghen peck around at grain in her food bowl. “Thanks for your help setting this up.”
“Not a problem.” Elizabeth glances back at her RV. “Well, Darren and I are off to grab a bite to eat in town. Interested?”
I shake my head. “Thanks, but I’ll pass for now. I’m gonna hang out here.”
When Elizabeth is back in her campsite, I settle down in a flimsy captains chair—I really need to buy a better one—next to the coop and unlock my phone.
Lucy
Nice chicken coop!
January
Don’t you mean eggcellent chicken coop?
Lucy
Damn. Missed opportunity
January
Do better, babes
Lucy
I clucking will
Me
My god, is this how it’s going to be?
Lucy
Constant chicken puns? Yes
January
Abso-clucking-lutely
I crack up and click out of my messages to my email. There’s one from my mom with a list ofways to maximize your work sabbaticaland below that, an email from Jacob.
I sigh deeply.
Thankfully, he can’t show up at my door like he would do back home. So I guess I can at least read his email.
To: Raleigh Hayes
From: Jacob Ford
Hey, Raleigh. Just checking in with you. How’s your road trip? I’m sorry our last interaction was so stressful. I was shocked that you bought an RV on your own. I always pictured us doing that together.
I had another therapy session yesterday. It continues to help me uncover so many truths about myself and how I acted during our marriage.
I hope we can start fresh when you get back. As friends. Maybe one day, we can be more.
I went to see your mom. We had coffee and talked about how we both want what’s best for you.
