F: Movie night?
I look up to check in with Seth about if we had plans, andsee he’s moved back to his side of the couch, a small smile on his face.
“What?” I ask, suddenly feeling embarrassed. I smooth my hair, because maybe he mussed it when he kissed me, and now he’s chuckling because I look ridiculous.
“I never got to see this side of you before. I like it. You’re a good friend.”
It’s such a simple compliment, a heartfelt observation, but it hits me square in the chest. Because while Itryto be a good friend, Iwantto be a good friend, I don’t know that it’s true. It could be, though.
“She wants to have a movie night to celebrate being done with her manuscript… I think she’s who I want to tell. What do you think?”
“If she’s who you choose, then I support you. Does this mean I’m invited to movie night?”
Henry clambers up onto the couch, squishing his massive form between us. I guess he wants an invite as well.
“You know, seeing you might help her not think I’m lying… so if you want to come, I’d love that.”
A: Absolutely. Plus, I have someone I want you to meet.
F: Okay, I’m intrigued…
Afew hours later, I’ve connected my iPad to my TV and set it so Fae can see us on the couch. Seth and I decided that it’s probably best if he starts the call off-screen, so he’s sitting off to the side in the chair with Henry curled up on his lap, like the two of them aren’t entirely too big for it. Poor Seth is having to wrap his armsaround my massive dog to keep him on his lap, but he seems happy as he gives me a thumbs up.
I start the call, my forehead damp with sweat as I wait for Fae to answer. She’s still walking through her house when she answers.
“Just got the munchkins to sleep, it’s celebration time!” she says, nodding her head like there’s a really good beat on.
“Heck yeah!” I say, hoping she doesn’t hear how my voice wavers.
“Okay, bitch, fess up. Who am I meeting? Did you get another dog? Was it some hot guy decorating your house?”
I can’t contain the belly laugh that bursts out of me. “Actually, you’re sort of right… my secret Santawasa hot guy. And he helped me with the whole Tom situation.”
Fae squeals so loud the mic cuts out. “That’s awesome! Tell me everything! Did he punch Tom? Do we like him?”
“Yeah,” I say, pointedly avoiding looking at Seth. “We like him… and he did punch Tom.”
“My MAN!” She fist pumps the air and flops down onto her own couch, picking up a glass of red wine. “So, where is he?”
“He’s here…” I’ve got serious butterflies in my stomach now, because telling Fae about Seth feels monumental. “But there are a few things I need you to know about him.”
“Okay… color me intrigued.”
I shake my head and look at the ceiling. I’ve had hours to rehearse how to say this, but everything I planned has flown the coop in the face of pressure.
“He’s… uh… Fae, monsters are real.”
“Huh?” She squints and tilts her head.
Seth nods at me, motioning for me to keep going.
“So… this is going to sound crazy, but monsters are real, and I’ve met my dream monster. Not like, as in my perfect man—well okay, that too but—like literally the monster who was in charge of my dreams.”
Fae blinks at me, checks the level of her wine, and purses her lips. “Come again?”
“Monsters are real… and one is sitting in my living room… right now.”
She’s quiet for a few seconds. “Prove it.”
