When she laughs, the world makes sense…
Also terrible. I work on it another fifteen minutes before I throw my pencil down and lean back against the couch. This is useless. I can’t concentrate.
I pick up my phone and start to text Cricket.
How’s your date going?
I stare at the text, feeling terrible for thinking about interrupting their date. I’m being rude. I delete it and set my phone down, trying to figure out why Cricket going out with River makes my chest feel tight. I should be happy for her.He seems like a decent guy, and she deserves someone who appreciates her.
I pick up my guitar again, but five minutes later, I’m checking to see if Cricket has texted me. She hasn’t.
I try working on the song again, but all I can think about is Cricket sitting across from River, probably laughing at his jokes and looking beautiful in that tank top and skirt that shows way too much skin.
I grab my phone again and type out another text.
You enjoying your date?
I know I shouldn’t, but I hit send. I’m too curious. If River isn’t treating her right, I need to know. She doesn’t answer back for a few minutes, but when my phone chimes, I grab it and read her text.
River stepped away from the table for a second. He was telling me about the indie film he’s auditioning for. It’s actually really interesting.
I stare at my phone. She’s having a good time. That makes my throat feel tight, but I don’t know why. I send a one-word response.
Great.
Are you okay? You seem weird.
Am I okay? I don’t know. I feel restless and irritated and like I want to drive to that restaurant and… what? Interrupt their date? Demand that Cricket come home with me instead?
I’m fine. Working on a song.
Ooh, can I hear it when I get home?
It’s not finished yet.
Well, when it is. I love hearing your new stuff.
I smile despite myself. Even when she’s on a date with another guy, she still wants to hear my music. She still cares about my dreams.
Sure. Have fun on your date.
I will. Talk to you later.
I set my phone aside and force myself to focus on the song. But twenty minutes later, I realize I’ve been strumming the same three chords over and over while thinking about Cricket.
About how she looked when River handed her those flowers. How her face lit up when he complimented her. How natural they were together walking out the door.
I try a different approach with the song, starting with a minor chord progression that matches my mood better.
She’s slipping away and I don’t know why…
I pause, my fingers frozen on the frets. Where did that come from? Cricket isn’t slipping away. She’s just on a date. One date. It doesn’t mean anything.
Except… what if it does? What if River really is as perfect as he seems? What if Cricket falls for him? What if she starts spending all her time with him instead of me? She told me she wouldn’t leave me, but how realistic is that?
I can’t help it. I pick up my phone and text again:Did you eat dessert yet?
Again, it takes her a while to answer.
