Page 49 of Isn't It Obvious?
That night, Yael dreams about Kevin. He appears at the side of her bed, faced blurred like he’s a cable news interviewee in Witness Protection. She reaches out for him, and he takes her hand in his. Sparks trail up her arm.Finally, she says. He climbs into bed with her, covering her body with his, somehow still holding her hand between them.Finally, he agrees, and bends down to kiss her, deep and slow.
When he pulls away, his features are clear.Finally, Ravi says again.
Yael awakens in a cold sweat.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Ravi sends Elle the final cut of the episode about1984, called “A Lack of Reading Comprehension Is a Prerequisite for Serving in Congress,” the following Monday morning. It’s the first message of any kind he’s sent her since Friday.
The question about movies and TikTok is probably still sitting unsent in their text thread. He’d typed it out on Saturday morning and then… couldn’t. There was something that felt slimy about messaging Elle so quickly after the moment outside his house with Yael, to both of them. Even though whatever happened with him and Yael doesn’t exactly require loyalty. Even though Elle lives across the country and won’t tell him her real name. Even though none of it really matters, because he doesn’t see how he’d have room for anything withanyoneright now.
It just hadn’t felt right.
Elle hasn’t messaged him, either. Which should feel good, because it gives him the space he’s needed, but it’s the longest they’ve gone without talking and part of him wonders if maybe she doesn’t want to anymore. And even though he knows none of it should matter, he also knows he would be absolutely crushed if she could be done with him, just like that.
To his great relief, a couple of hours after he sends the audio file, he gets Elle’s response:Amazing work, as always!! I’m admittedly a little nervous for this one to go out when so many more people are listening. Or maybe it’s just a fluke, and all the numbers will go back to normal.
Ravi
I don’t think it will be a fluke. The podcast got popular because it’s great, and this is a great episode
I am texting you this so you can’t say I’m flattering you in the work thread
He watches the typing bubble appear and disappear for almost a minute before a new message emerges.
Elle
How was your weekend?
I’m sorry I’ve been MIA
Ravi
You really are bad at taking compliments
It’s okay, I guess I have been, too. My weekend was a little weird. Busy. I took Mia to the zoo again. Yours?
Elle
Did she finally touch the anemone?
Mine was a little weird, too. But I got some rest, which was good, because I probably won’t get much right before 1984 goes up. Or right after tbh
Ravi
Still no. Maybe when she’s 5, because that’s a big girl age
Do you want me to distract you?
Elle
Please
Ravi
I went to see a movie on Friday
Do you think the recent success of visually interesting but sort of empty films is because of social media?
