I could send him one first. Maybe he’ll reciprocate?
I know I shouldn’t.
It’s like we’re playing a weird game of chicken.
He can always delete it.
I flip my camera around for a selfie and check to make sure I’m decent. It was fucking freezing last night so I slept in pyjamas. I’m not even showing any skin. My hair is a mess and I’ve got a faint pillow crease down one cheek. I trimmed my beard yesterday, but the dark stubble is still thick and full. Even I can admit I look all right.
I take the picture and hit Send before I can change my mind.
Then hold my breath as I wait for him to open it.
My pulse kicks up, second thoughts flooding in as I wait for it to change from Delivered to Read.
As nerve-racking as it is waiting to see if I’ve embarrassed myself, I can’t deny the thrill I get when I see those three dots appear. I’ve missed this too, having someone to chat with that has nothing to do with friends, family, or work.
This is just for me.
It’s not quite what I want it to be, but it’s a close fucking second.
I laugh out loud when his text comes through.
Charlie: I think we’re doing this wrong
The accompanying photo is him, sat up a little against his pillows, wearing a hoodie.
I’ve had my fair share of dick picks, and yeah, okay, I can’t lie and say I didn’t appreciate some of them. But this? This is so much better.
That said, I’m not sure what to type next.
We’re skirting that line again. The one that both of us drew and yet are dangerously close to going over.
I don’t want to be the one to cross it first. Especially not over text.
Pete: You still up for tonight?
Charlie: Yeah, Looking forward to it. I think
Pete: They’re good people. I promise
Charlie: Have you told them anything about me?
Pete: They know we met last New Year and that your ex left you here. That wasn’t me by the way. But I haven’t told them that you’re an author, if that’s what you’re asking?
Charlie: Yeah I was. And thanks
My alarm goes off, reminding me I still have a job to do despite the rain pissing down like the end of days.
Pete: I have to get ready for work. I’ll see you tonight, about 7, yeah?
Charlie: Yeah. Hope you don’t get too wet
Pete: Same, but I’m thinking it’s a given
Those fucking dots appear then disappear twice before his message finally comes through.
Charlie: See you later
