Page 79 of Only With Me
Harlow: Because I wouldn’t have pegged you as the type who has trouble finding dates in the real world.
She’s not wrong, but I’m not about to confess my sins on why I’m here.
Waylon: I don’t use these apps much. Kinda forgot I had them.
Mostly true.
Harlow: Also surprised you’re not out on New Year’s Eve with your brother. Delilah told me she’s “watching” him for the night.
Waylon: I wasn’t feeling it. Plus, I figured it wasn’t a good idea to show my face in a place I just got kicked out of.
Harlow: Speaking of that, how’s your black eye and knuckles?
I stretch out my fingers, looking at the small cut.
Waylon: Better than Jake’s.
Harlow:
She sends three laughing emojis.
Harlow: Well, I’m glad neither of you ended up in the hospital. Not a fun place to be over the holidays.
No, it ain’t.
Waylon: How’s your dad doing since his fall?
I should’ve asked earlier.
Harlow: He’s hanging in there. Mostly miserable from his phantom pain but I’ve been trying to keep him occupied and his mind busy. Playing cards and board games, doing puzzles, reading him books, watching TV.
Waylon: That’s sweet of you.
Harlow: Yeah, but I think he’s getting sick of me.
Now I’m the one laughing.
Waylon: I don’t think anyone could get sick of you.
Harlow: Really?
Waylon: Yeah. How could they?
Harlow: You don’t ever seem excited when I’m around.
Shit.That stings.
Waylon: Don’t take it personally. I’m exhausted most days and keeping Wilder alive is a full-time job.
Both figuratively and literally.
Harlow: I can understand that. I feel the same about my dad.
Waylon: How so?
It’s been years since I’ve seen Mr. Fanning, so I haven’t stayed updated on him since Delilah and I broke up.
Harlow: His mental health isn’t great. Between his depression and pain, I’m always fearing the worst. When I first saw him unconscious on the bathroom floor, I assumed he was dead. I thought…yep, this is it. He’s overdosed on pills or took something.
