“I’m arealist.”
“If you say so.” His stomach rumbles, loud enough that I can hear it through the phone.
It makes me realise how hungry I am. “Go eat, I’ll talk to you soon.” I debate telling him I’m seeing Pete and his friends on Friday, but I know it’ll only start him off again, so I keep that to myself.
We say our goodbyes and I tip my head back on the pillows.Fucking Seb.Now that he’s put that thought in my head, it’s not going to go away. I meant what I said though: two weeks together is nowhere near enough time to set us up for a long-distance relationship where we’d only see each other at weekends. And that’s assuming Pete would be interested in any of that.
No.
Friends is the best thing.
But that kiss . . .
Yeah, the memory of that is going to keep replaying in my head if I don’t find something to occupy my mind. The only thing I can think of is work, so I drag my laptop over and open up Scrivener. If my main character now resembles a certain hunky Christmas tree farm owner, then it’s pure fucking coincidence.
PETE
I’m wokenup Friday morning by what sounds like a monsoon outside my window.Jesus Christ,I don’t think I’ve ever heard rain that loud. When I reach for my phone, there’s a message waiting for me.
Thank fuck no one is around to see the stupid smile I can’t stop when I see who it’s from. I thought things might be awkward after our walk.
After thatkiss.
After what I said to him outside the pub.
They aren’t though.
At least not over text.
Charlie: OMG can you hear that rain?
Pete: Mad right?
Charlie: Woke me up. Thought the world was ending
Pete: Same. Not looking forward to going out in it
Not that I think we’ll be all that busy today. Can’t imagine many people braving this weather to pick out a Christmas tree.
Charlie: Oh shit. I forgot you work outside. That sucks
Pete: Yep
Pete: You’re laughing aren’t you?
Charlie: Little bit
Charlie: I’ll be thinking of you while I’m in my nice cosy hotel room
Charlie: Dry and warm
I’m grinning at my phone by this point. Again, thank fuck no one can see me.
Pete: You’re all heart
Charlie: I try
I want him to send me another photo of him in bed. Sleepy and cute. Probably best if he doesn’t, but I still want to see him.
