Page 57 of Riding Pine
After texting James that I’m home safe, I check Lukas’s plants. As I fill the watering can, my lips spread as an idea forms. After changing into my favourite sheer thong undies, I find my tripod I use at the studio for filming my routines and rejoice at my foresight to bring it to Lukas’s.
After setting it up, my fashion shoot with plants begins, and I don’t waste any time before texting them to Lukas with a single warning line.
‘Only open when alone.’
Then I fire off the four best pics, one with each plant, and hope he gets to see them before he’s on the bus home. As the hours pass, I guess I missed my window, and he’s already on the bus. I climb into bed, but then get back out and rifle through his closet.
After slipping into one of his sweaters, I feel better, and my eyes drift closed. My phone is still nearby, though. If he texts, I don’t want to miss it.
The next time I open my eyes, it’s because my phone is ringing, and without looking at the caller, I answer.
“’Lo.”
“Ben?”
“Mmhm.”
“It’s Christine.”
My eyes fly open, fully awake now. “Hey, I’m not quite awake. What’s up?”
“It’s not on your schedule, but with the team’s recent road trip success, we’re organizing a welcome home rally at the rink tomorrow afternoon. 3 P.M. Would you be able to be there?”
My wine-fogged brain recalls my schedule, and while it’s not what I want to do, I can’t really say no.
“It’ll be tight, but I can be. What would be expected of me there?”
“Just your presence this time. Welcome the team home and get the fans excited.”
That shouldn’t be hard. I’m already excited to see Lukas.
My phone pings with a text. And another.
“Yeah, I can be there.” I was going to be there as a boyfriend, but it’s not like I can say no and then turn up out of costume.
“Thanks, Ben.”
She doesn’t even say goodbye. Just hangs up the phone. Which is fine because more texts come in, and it’s all Lukas.
Lukas:Holy hell, Ben.
Lukas:Again with the barely there underwear. I love it.
Lukas:Text me. I don’t understand your voice note.
Lukas:I’m home tomorrow, baby. Fuck, I miss you, and you’ve made this road trip harder and easier at the same time.
My heart rate goes wacky, and I’m pretty sure I have a dopey grin on my face, but I don’t remember sending a voice note. Yet there it is in our text thread, and I hit play to hear myself drunk babbling about burnt toast, handstands, and plant dads.
Jesus, I was messier than I thought.
Ben:Can I call you?
Lukas doesn’t wait and calls me instead.
“Are you hungover?”
I huff a laugh. “Not overly. I’m sorry for the message. I’m not even sure what I was trying to say except…I miss you.”
