Page 2 of Fall Twice

Me: Hey! Long time. Hope you are well. Not sure you even check this anymore. This is kind of crazy, but I noticed you’re in Hollows, and I am going to be in town for a few days. If you want to catch up, then let me know.

I throw my phone to the side. That was easy enough. I slide off the bed and look at the boxes that are accumulating in the house. Sean already moved out to a temporary apartment a while back while we waited for the house to sell, and I need to be out within three weeks.

I decide to get to work on the books on the shelf in the bedroom, since they’re the simplest to pack.

But when my phone pings, I look at the screen to see that Reid responded.

Reid: Yeah, I’m in Hollows. Moved here two years ago when I got tenure. Small world, I guess. We should meet up.

A smile tugs on my lips and I’m quick to type back.

Me: Cool. I get in tomorrow, but probably will be beat. Perhaps Tuesday?

Reid: Sure. 4?

Me: That works. Just send me the address of where you want to meet. I’m not too familiar with the area.

Reid: Okay. Is your kiddo with you?

Me: No. I’m in town for business.

I figure I should leave out that I’m divorced, packing up my life, and moving there. It’s more of a second cup-of-coffee discussion. Don’t want to sound too stalkerish right off the bat.

Reid: There’s a coffee spot. They have tea since you don’t drink coffee.

My body stills because he remembers the small details. In college, I never drank coffee, only green tea.

Me: I drink coffee now.

He sends me an impressed emoji.

Reid: Well then, I’ll see you at Ginger & Co.

Me: Okay.

Closing the chat, I pause with the phone resting against my chin. Gosh, it’s been ten years since I saw him, and our lives sure have changed. All the more reason that I’m not sure why there is something resembling excitement floating inside of me.

A knock on the inner pane of the bedroom door breaks my thoughts. Looking up, I see Annie, my best friend. She went to collect dinner after helping me pack a few boxes. Annie and I went to college together and then parted ways, and by chance her career brought her here a few years ago which allowed us to reconnect.

She greets me with a smile, her blonde hair pulled into a tight ponytail. “You okay? You look lost.”

I nod. “Completely.” I walk to the open box and dump in a few books. “Did you bring some takeout?”

“Yep, Chinese is here. I was calling you from downstairs, but you didn’t answer.”

“Come on, I’m starving.” I push the box to the side with my foot, and I turn to Annie to walk with her back downstairs.

“All ready for house hunting and school registration?” she asks as we walk into the kitchen, and she begins to unpack the bag of food.

“As prepared as I can be,” I say and grab a few plates.

She slides a carton of noodles in my direction. “Anything else you need for your trip? I’ll drop you off at the airport tomorrow. I’ve decided to thwart my own plan to lock you up so you can’t leave me because, as your best friend, I realize that this may be a good change for you.” Her hand comes to her heart in a half-sincere and half-joking declaration.

“Thanks.” I grin at her because none of this is easy, but I need a change of scene, and Sean asked his employer if he could be based out of Chicago when he gets back from his assignment.

A forkful of food lands in my mouth. “Mm, this is good.” I swallow then casually mention, “He’s in Hollows.”

She shrugs her shoulders at me as she sharpens her chopsticks like a pro.

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