Okaay.
I read it again, frowning, because it’s kind of amehmessage, right? One that doesn’t invite a response. I give one though, because I told Sean I’d try.
Jerry:Fair enough. My offer still stands, if you ever want to talk.
Reed: Thanks.
Right. I guess I can take a hint. Not gonna lie, it stings a little, but I’m not going to push when he’s clearly not interested in continuing this conversation. At least not now, anyway.
I’m almost dropping off to sleep when my phone vibrates with a message. Then another immediately after it.
Despite telling myself to leave it until the morning, I’m already reaching for it, rubbing my eyes.
Reed’s name taunts me from the screen.
Again.
Curiosity flares as I swipe to read it.
Reed: I’m sorry.
Reed: I lied earlier. I didn’t lose track of time and things haven’t been hectic.In fact they’ve been the fucking opposite. Just a bit shit.
Even though it’s sometimes difficult to decipher tone in a text message, I don’t think there’s any mistaking the tone of this one.
Sean was right.
He’s not happy.
I know he’ll still be getting over his break-up, but I wonder if something else has happened.
Trouble is, I’m not sure if it’s my place to ask. Or if he’ll tell me if I do.
I can’t ignore those messages though. If he doesn’t want to talk, then he can tell me to mind my own business.
Jerry: It’s ok, Reed. You don’t have to explain, but I get the feeling you need to talk to someone. I’m here if you want to offload. No judgement, I promise.
I’m wide awake, which is going to come back to bite me in the morning, but I couldn’t sleep now even if I wanted to.
It seems to take an age before those three little dots appear, and even longer for his reply to come through.
Reed: Thank you. I think I’d like that, but maybe not tonight.
Jerry: That’s ok. I’ll be here whenever you’re ready.
Reed: I’ve thought about messaging you a lot since New Year’s Eve, but I didn’t know what to say. Then the longer I left it, the more I thought you’d probably forgotten all about me.
I’d laugh if he didn’t sound so sad, but I go for a little light-hearted teasing anyway. I think the conversation needs it, especially just before we’re about to go to sleep.
Jerry: I didn’t forget you. You made quite an impression.
The memory of the kiss we shared is suddenly front and centre in my head, which really isn’t helpful right now. And not something I’m about to bring up.
Jerry: What with your lack of skill at both darts and pool.
There’s another pause, and I bite my lip, hoping I’ve not sent him running.
Reed: Pretty sure I didn’t lose every game, though. Right?
