Page 74 of Severed Heart
General Half-Pint: oui now embarees taks me very logn time to make tetx and read text kyesboard very har d to deciph er Frech esier
I’m sure it is easier. French is your first language, BUT I promise I understand your texts just fine. I promise. I’ll be patient and wait for any text you want to send me.
General Half-Pint: nerci fish bud dy
How about we text every day to practice?
General Half-Pint: merci doo not think I stupd wo man I am not stupd i
I could never think you’re stupid. You’re fucking brilliant. You speak English fine. More than fine. You just misfire a few verbs here and there and still need a little Americanization and help with metaphors. Which I can help with. I’m sorry I poke fun at you. I won’t be an asshole about it anymore.
General Half-Pint: non solder k eep poke me asshle
Ha ha, there’s my brash General.
General Half-Pint: Donot want fee sorry for me don want fsel like imbelcile when tex t poeple
You’re anything but an imbecile. Take your time. I’ll wait for every text you send. Don’t feel bad. It’s no big deal. Dom’s a dick for making you feel bad about it.
General Half-Pint: You are go od best frend solider merci ha ve much happy in heart for yuo
I’m happy in my heart about it, too, General. I’ve got your back, always, Delphine.
General Half-Pint: I knw this mea ns
Good, because that’s the truth. I’ll always look out for you. Please don’t let Dom hurt your feelings over this anymore.
General Half-Pint: Oui goodnigt privite
Night, General.
Chapter Twenty-Two
DELPHINE
TYLER KNOCKS BEFOREbursting through the storm door, and I jump back in surprise as he stalks toward me—a light dancing in his eyes as he issues his order. “Get dressed, General.”
“I am dressed,” I utter, tightening my robe, not budging an inch.
“Then change, and before you ask, it’s a surprise,” he says. “Come on, or we’ll be late.”
I eye the pint on the counter, and his own eyes follow. “Bring it. Just stick it in your purse.”
I shake my head. “I don’t like not knowing where I go.”
“Trust me on this. You’ll like it.A lot.Wear something simple. Jeans and a T-shirt is fine, but bring a sweater in case it gets cold.”
“Why would I be cold?” I stall as he stares over at me. It’s then I notice he is dressed well, and his hair is neatly combed.
“No more questions, and I know you don’t have to work tonight”—his demanding tone rips my eyes from his styled hair—“so stop trying to come up with excuses.”
“We can finish our battle,” I propose, nodding toward our table of soldiers in play.
“Not tonight,” he insists, his expression resigned.
“Fine,” I sigh, “but if—”
“If you don’t like it, we’ll leave,” he finishes, “I promise.”
