“Great.” Fallon nods. “Thank you for stepping up. Know you'll always have a place here with us, if what you have back home doesn't work out.”
She opens her laptop again, and taking her dismissal, I head back to my desk.
That afternoon, I send Henri a follow up email with Fallon’s proposal. I find myself clicking between my inbox and the tabs I have open for various top-selling colognes and men’s self-care items for a piece I’ve been asked to consult on. From what Henri explained, she works evenings and does admin during the day. She has to have seen my email. Is she ignoring me? Did she read the article and hate it?
When an argument breaks out about the sexiest Christmas movies, the entire office starts a voting poll and I welcome the distraction. The top contenders areEyes Wide ShutandThe Holiday—a battle between raw sensuality and Jude Law in glasses showing emotional vulnerability.
After work, I head back with Iris to our apartment, but she only sticks around long enough to change and touch up her lipstick.
I get food delivered and try to keep busy so I won’t check my email.
Around seven my phone lights up, pinging with a rapid influx of notifications.
Mom
Starting to build a list of snacks to have in the house when you visit. Send me ideas!
Pen
I don’t know what I want to eat tonight. How will I know what I want to eat in three weeks?
Me
Just make Pen get it when she comes back from Chamonix
June
Yeah, great idea if you want her to get crushed tomatoes instead of salsa
Pen
That was one time!
June
And there was a blizzard so we had nothing else.
Mom
Liam?
Me
I’m fine with whatever.
I hesitate for a moment, before typing.
Me
What if I brought someone home with me this year?
I’m just testing the water, laying the groundwork. I’m not saying I will bring someone home—if Henri says no, or I can’t get ahold of her, then I’ll just say plans have changed.
Pen
Shut the fuck up!!!
Mom
