Page 106 of Falling Backwards
Certain words of mine from yesterday try to rise up my spine and lift my thoughts to a new level.
But I fight tooth and nail to stop them in their tracks.
I wasn’t talking about us when I said those things.I was trying to convince him that refusing to change his dirty-dish layout is a bit ridiculous.
However, all of this reminds me of something Luke-related thatissafe territory, so I’m glad to think about it instead.
I pick up my coffee and refocus on my friends, who have started each other yawning through suggestions of what to do when we leave here.
“Let’s go by the grocery store,” I suggest.“I need a few things.”
The rain outside catches the corner of my eye, giving me an idea.
“And if you guys want, we can get a bunch of snacky stuff to eat while we spend hours on the couch.”
The girls sit up straighter at that, interested.
Emma points at us.“We did run out of time to restartOnce Upon a Timelast night.”
“Oh.My.God,” Joy says.“Yes.”
My excitement about the idea heightens too.Nodding eagerly, I vacate my chair, and the girls do the same.
Not only are we ready to be comfy at home with one of our favorite shows, but I’m looking forward to carrying out my little Luke idea.
I’ll be seeing him at work later, and I want to be prepared.
—
When we get back home, I bite the bullet and get ready to do a workout.I feel more like going for a walk than bothering with the more challenging stuff, but the weather says no.
With that in mind, I check the forecast, then text Luke.He should be awake now, or at least soon.
ME:Would you maybe be interested in walking at the park sometime tomorrow or Monday?The rain should be gone by then, and I’m ready for a day off from HIIT
Now, like it or not, it’s time to get started on my exercise.
While I sweat my ass off, Joy and Emma start making little pinwheel sandwiches.Those are one of the things we decided to snack on in a while.By the time I’m finished, they almost are, too, and all they need me to do is help make a garlic-and-chipotle aioli that Emma has gotten us hooked on.
As I’m finishing peeling a bunch of garlic cloves, my phone dings on the counter.I lean over and check the screen.
LUKE:I am, in fact, interested
I quickly rinse my hands of garlicky stickiness so I can reply.
ME:Yeah?Maybe finish shopping first?
LUKE:Exactly what I was thinking
Pleased, I smile to myself.What a nice plan.
ME:Okay, great
LUKE:It’s a date
The words tingle down my spine.
I reread and re-reread them.
