“That’s life, Andi. Nothing is going to be picture perfect. Plus, you know Hallmark invented that holiday, and you’re not a Hallmark kind of gal.”
“All Hallmark holidays struck from the record, but that’s not only it. I feel bad for him. He loves his blog, and I think he also loves his day job, but it hurts me that he can’t get to his blog this week. And yeah, I got up in my Hallmark feelings for a second, but I’m over that.” I run my fingers through my hair, tying it in a knot, avoiding the truth.
“That means you care for him,” Leona says, stating the obvious.
“I know that too. Here’s the thing, Lee. I don’t actually do medical transcription. I write this cynical blog that gets a shit-ton of page views and makes a good bit of money. I don’t say it’s me who writes it, and—”
Leona’s eyes bulge out of her head, and her cheeks turn as red as the fire-engine-colored scarf she’s wearing. “Wow! All this time, I thought you were a geeky little hermit.”
When she laughs toward the end, I get the impression she’s excited by the news.
“So, what’s the big deal?” she asks, leaning forward.
If I weren’t so preoccupied, I’d worry her boobs are going to fall out of her V-neck sweater.
“Well, Reid likes my blog, thinks it’s smart and witty. And so he turned to the UnAffectionate Blogger, that’s me, for some blogging advice. Except he doesn’t know it’s me. And when I met him, I knew it was him because James got into his blog and my sister panicked. That’s a different story for another day.”
“So tell him.”
“That’s what Delia says, but I think he’s going to feel duped.”
“Not Reid.”
“Delia says that too.”
“Done.” Leona wipes her hands together, dismissing the subject. “Now, tell me more about the blog.”
I tell her the origin and about the mean bloggers, and how I’m actually worse than they were. She shakes her head, disagreeing, but I don’t give in.
“Now I wish I’d never done it. Ever.”
“So, change it.”
“It’s not that easy. I don’t know.” I do, but I don’t. “Gah,” I say more to myself.
The doorbell rings, and I resist the urge to yell, “Saved by the bell.”
Leona makes no move to stand up, only shoves money in my hand. “You’ll tell him, and he’ll be fine,” she whispers, knowing Gabby is on her way out of her room.
I do nothing. I get the pizza and pretend as if this will all go away.
The next few days drag by. No Reid, lots of running, worrying over packing. And then he calls, his voice a whisper.
“What are you up to?” he asks, and my heart rate spikes.
“Cleaning up the kitchen. Super sexy, I know.”
“Gabby asleep?”
“In bed, I’m sure, soon.”
“Want to have a drink? I’ll bring over a bottle of wine.”
I look down at myself, freshly showered and in yoga pants and a loose tank. “Is this a booty call, Reid?” I’m brazen with my words like I should be in other ways.
“I didn’t mean it like that, but I do miss you.”
“I’m kidding. Come over. Warning, I’m without any makeup and comfy.” I don’t know why I offer this info. I’m myself with Reid, no matter what. Well, almost.
