Page 51 of Camera Chemistry
Aiden:Yeah, I did. You were great. That host sucked.
Maggie: She was the worst. I thought you would be there.
Maggie: I was disappointed when you weren’t.
The air leaves my lungs and I pause, not knowing the correct way to answer.
Aiden: You looked beautiful.
Maggie: Thank you.
Aiden: I wanted to be there, but Maven had a swim meet. I’m sorry you had to go through that alone.
Maggie: It’s okay. Jeremiah and I gave her an earful.
Aiden: Atta girl. I would have done the same.
It’s past midnight, and I’m not sure what else to say. We should both be asleep, because nothing good will come from this. It doesn’t show her typing, either, the natural conclusion of a stilted conversation I never should have initiated. I’m about to click my phone closed for good and delete the thread, when it buzzes again.
Maggie: I miss you.
The air leaves my lungs. I read the three words a hundred times, making sure they’re actually there. When they stare back at me, eight letters causing my heart to clench and my palms to sweat, I decide to sayfuck it, and let her know she’s on my mind.
Aiden: I miss you too, sweetheart.
Maggie: How was your day? How was Maven’s swim meet?
I smile, imagining her in bed and thinking about me.
Aiden: She won. The kid is like a fish when it comes to water.
Maggie: That’s awesome. I bet you’re so proud.
Aiden: I have a T-shirt with her face on it and everything. She hates it.
Maggie: She might say that, but deep down, I bet you being there means more to her than anything else in the world.
Aiden: I think so, too.
Maggie: I did something bad, Aiden.
Aiden: You did?
Maggie: I lied on national television.
Aiden: Oh? Are you the one with the incurable disease?
Maggie: That made me smile.
Aiden: Then I’m doing my job.
Maggie: If I could say one thing to you, it wouldn’t have been about your tattoo.
Aiden:Now I’m intrigued. You better not shit on my jarred spaghetti sauce. You almost licked that bowl clean.
I wait for her to answer. Three dots show she’s typing, then disappear. I’m patient, knowing it’s taking her a minute to convince herself what she wants to say is important. Then, my phone buzzes again.
Maggie:Would it be okay if I called?
