Page 19 of Sebastian

The dots circle and then stop. Long seconds pass, so I place the phone on the arm of my chair and resume petting Jinkies until he starts texting again.

Yeah

He’s downstairs eating or drinking

Who knows

Shouldn’t you check on him or something?

Nah

Ms. Martha’s got him

Making some Irish drink that cures hangovers

They never work for me

She swears by them

That’s better. I was taken aback at his cavalier attitude, but his lack of concern makes sense if his friend is up and around.

Enough about him

How are you

I’m good.

I keep it short. Curious about where this is going.

I’m sorry our night got cut short

I don’t know what to say to that. While I take a drink of water, Jinkies paws at my hand, wanting it back on her for more pets. When I don’t respond, he does.

Can I see you today

Last night would have been a fleeting indulgence. Today, I’m not sure. He’s terribly handsome and a bit wild. Although I just vowed to put the party fun behind me. What the hell? Why not?

What did you have in mind?

This time, he responds with one paragraph, as if he had it prepared to cut and paste into the chat. He even uses proper punctuation this time.

Skating. The rink is still up. It’s even colder outside today than yesterday. I think you’d have a good time. I have hot cocoa or cider ready if you get cold. Then we can have Ms. Martha whip up some lunch. Or there’s this Mexican restaurant off Washington that makes a mean margarita.

I touch the glass of my apartment window, surprised at how chilly it is. Private ice skating with no one around but us? I can’t pass that up.

Okay. What time?

Is now too soon

I chuckle at his enthusiasm and lack of punctuation again. He’s fast on it again when he texts again.

Or anytime

Do you need me to send a car

Can I pick you up

Should he pick me up? I usually get a lift service because I detest driving, especially in Houston traffic. However, since it’s Sunday, getting around town will be easy.

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