I set my plate down beside me and stare at the screen for a beat. How…
UNKNOWN
Is it too late?
I pop a roll into my mouth and immediately regret it. It burns the roof of my mouth, but I’m no quitter. Ihashshhashshshschew that roll until I can’t feel my tongue, then swallow. Heat burns my throat, and I can feel the warmth in my stomach when it goes down.
Drink.
Wipe my hands.
Pick up the phone.
Hey.
Danielle gave me your number.
I hope that’s okay.
Figures.
I knew it had to be her or Jasmine.
They’re adorable together, and I love them, but damn this is the fourth guy they’ve tried to set me up with in the last year.
You could have asked.
You were too distracting.
I forgot and didn’t want to look too desperate by going back inside.
I kind of like desperate.
Shows initiative.
Noted.
So, what are you doing up this late? Are you a night owl?
I actually enjoy sunrises. Darkness is unpredictable.
And daylight isn’t?
I like the predictability of the sun. The moon invites tides, phases, and chaos. Every night is uncertain.
I stare at the phone for a few seconds, debating what to say.
I didn’t peg you as a rule follower.
I’m not.
But I do ask there to be a little order to the chaos.
Then I would argue the moon is a perfect example of that. We know the phases and tides. The only unpredictability is its effect on human behavior.
You’ve given me something to think about, Juniper.
I relax my head against the couch as Pack nudges her nose under my arm, looking for a piece of pizza roll. Are we really discussing the moon right now? Is this real—ishereal?
