Page 205 of Mountain Grump

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The microwave dings, letting me know my popcorn is done, but I don’t reach for it.

I just stare at my phone, reading Ethan’s text again.

That very first day, when we very first met, he called me ridiculous.

And it hurt my feelings.

A lot.

But even in the moment, I knew he didn’t mean itthat way. The way my family always meant it.

It’s just a word people use.

But it still made me cry.

I didn’t want to cry. Didn’t want to do that in front of a stranger. But so much had happened… it was the final straw.

And Ethan… He looked horrified. I could tell he felt bad for saying it, for making me feel that way.

Since then, he hasn’t said that word around me again.

And now, instead of calling me silly for playing with beads, Ethanboughtme beads.

And instead of ignoring it as some foolish hobby, he’sasking meto show him.

I know it’s too soon.

I know we still have so much to learn about each other, that we need to spend more time together. But I also know that I’m cooked.

A goner.

A girl falling in love.

Me: It’s a work in progress.

I hold up the suncatcher in one hand and try to angle it under the kitchen lights just right before I take the photo.

It’s roughly the shape of a wind chime. With a ring of beads at the top and single strands of varying lengths hanging down.

But the ring is more of a wonky oval. And the strands keep getting tangled.

Grumpy Ranger: Make me one.

Grumpy Ranger: Please.

I roll my lips together.

Me: Since you asked like a Good Boy…

Grumpy Ranger: You only get to say that in person.

Me: Why?

Grumpy Ranger: You know why.

Grumpy Ranger: Bad Girl.

Good Boy: What are you doing tonight?

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