“Beginnings are scary,” Rowdy added, “but I have absolute faith in you, and I know you’re going to build something amazing.”
It seemed like he meant it. I didn’t know when he’d started to sound so wise, but I appreciated his words all the same.
“Thanks, bitch,” I replied with a smile.
He chuckled, and I shared a hug with him and Kess before they set off back to their house. Last night at Stevie’s party, they’d shared that their surrogate, the same woman who had Stevie, was pregnant. Today they were going to accompany her to another sonogram, and after they were going furniture shopping. Given Kess’s elegant style, I imagined some kind of deeply Scandinavian crib with thoughtful details.
I shuddered at the thought of having kids of my own, but loved that Kess made my friend so happy.
Setting up the rest of my things took a depressingly short amount of time. Still, I was exhausted, so I starfished face down on the bed, wondering what I was gonna do.
A few minutes into my aggrieved pondering, the notification went off on my phone. It was a text from Kit.
Kit: I noticed you deleted your other account. Are you okay?
Huh. Didn’t know he followed the other account.
Me: I’m good. Rich (sugar daddy) kept trying to get a hold of me, and since that’s not my life anymore, it was just easier to shut it down.
Kit: If he bothers you, let me know.
I couldn’t help but smile as I imagined his low, gravelly voice.
Me: Thanks, cowboy. I’m pretty sure making throwaway accounts is the extent of his technical ability, and I doubt he’ll find his way to my regular account.
Kit: Glad to hear it. What are you doing today?
Me: I just moved into the cabin and now I’m questioning my entire life.
Me: You know, keeping it light.
Kit didn’t respond right away, but after a few moments the dots started bouncing and stopping, like maybe he didn’t know what to say. Finally, his message came through.
Kit: I wish you’d have let me put you up in one of my properties.
You and me both.
Kit: Did you need help moving your things in?
Me: It was pathetically simple to move my things in. Though . . .
Kit: Tell me.
Me: I need to find a new car.
Kit: That’s not so scary. Do you know what you’re looking for?
Me: Something both practical and cute.
Me: I’ve been looking at SUVs, and there’s a sky-blue Bronco I’ve got my eye on.
Kit: Can I assume sky blue is your favorite color?
Me: How did you know?
Kit: Your medical bag and that peignoir business your sugar daddy bought for you kind of gave it away.
Me: I guess I wasn’t subtle.
