Page 61 of Until Tomorrow
“Oh, you mean one doesn’t punch the other out of a treehouse and then apologize with Fruit Loops?” I teased.
“Maybe that’s what we need. We should build a treehouse.”
“I’m sure the city would be okay if we took over our intersection to do that.”
“Most people date for years before they find anything serious,” Eva said. “I once heard one of the ladies say it’s a numbers game. So, more dates equal better luck figuring things out.”
“He did say he and Ernie would enjoy another lunch date,” I replied.
“Well, now you can’t let Ernie down.”
“Of course not.” I chuckled. “Thank you for helping me talk this out. I swear, I know how to handle things, but sometimes…”
“Those fucking anxiety dragons,” she finished for me.
“Yeah, those fucking anxiety dragons.”
“It’s what I’m here for, Logan. Order yourself dinner if you’re going to be at the office much later. I’m going out, so I probably won’t be here when you get home.”
“Date?”
“Not tonight. I decided to take myself out after dinner,” she told me. “I’m treating myself to a drink and listening to some country music. There’s no reason I can’t date myself too. It’s about time I figured out what I like, and what better way than to go out alone?”
“That sounds nice.” I smiled. That little bit about country music I tucked away and made a promise to play it more when she was around. There was something special about watching her find herself again. She was still in the baby steps phase, but I loved it nonetheless.
“Do you remember the guy you bailed out of jail?”
“Yes.” Rhett Carson. Yes, I did remember him.
“His band is playing,” Eva said. “They were good—at least what I heard of them last time.”
“Ah.” I nodded, like she could see me. I wasn’t sure how I felt about her hanging out with him. Was he a walking red flag—as Elliot would put it? Absolutely. But he did protect her when I wasn’t there. That held value. “Well, just text me where you’re going and what amount you’ll need for bail money this time.”
“Maybe I should just go straight to jail this time,” Eva laughed, “and just hang out there. Save us both the time.”
“It’d be much appreciated, honey. I love you. Be safe tonight.”
“I will.”
Before I returned to work, I opened upTumbleand shot Emerson a message.
Journey81:I had a great time today with you and Ernie. I usually do lunch at the same time every day, if you’d be interested in meeting up again this week? Or next.
His response was practically instant.
SchnauzerDad45: I’d like that. Maybe we can eat lunch next time?
Journey81: Please. I’m going to end up ordering more for dinner while I work because I’m starving.
SchnauzerDad45: Still at the office?
Journey81: Yeah. I have things I have to catch up on.
SchnauzerDad45: Ah, the price of a good time. I’m paying it too.
Journey81: It’s one I don’t mind paying—in legal jargon and contracts, not math.
SchnauzerDad45: Never math. How horrible.
