Me:Not to throw a cynical voice of reason into things, but do you think we’re so hard up that we’ve latched on to one another in desperation? I haven’t had chemistry like this with anyone… ever, but I still wonder.
Luna:We’re too smart and fabulous to ever be desperate. The spark we felt that first time we met via the videochat was real. And it hasn’t gone away for me. If anything, talking with you like this every day has made it stronger.
Me:Glad I wasn’t imagining that. I guess I was having a hard time believing this is all real. Maybe I’m trying to prepare myself for the worst, so I don’t end up wrecked if things don’t work out. It could also be because I’ve had a lot on my plate lately. I’ve had to wrap my brain around aliens being real and the fact that my brother is off gallivanting with them across the universe. I met a woman I’m attracted to and want to get to know better, but she’s light-years away at themoment. Work isn’t enough for me lately. My life is at a weird crossroads, and I have to make some hard choices.
Luna:That’s a lot to take in. I wish I could give you a hug right now. Remember, I’m here anytime if you need to talk.
Me:I appreciate that. When it rains, it pours, amirite?
Luna:No shit! You’re not alone though. I’m scared too. I don’t want to fuck this up. Texting you is the highlight of my day. But I have my own fears. For instance, you’ve never experienced interspecies dating, so I can imagine that following where this chemistry could take us might be intimidating or even frightening.
Me:That’s the weirdest part, though. I don’t feel like that at all. Rather, all I can think about these days is kissing you… and other stuff.
Luna:Sweet Goddess Thekmis. I’ve been having dreams about us in bed together every damn night!
Me:Just so you know, that made me giggle like I’m some starry-eyed teenager with her first crush.
Luna:This waiting is KILLING ME!
Me:I’m so happy you guys are planning to return on Christmas Eve. I have a feeling this is going to be a Christmas I’ll never forget.
Luna:Me too. But we’re keeping it a secret from Felix. We want it to be a holiday surprise.
Me:My lips are sealed! *blowing kiss emoji*
My heart still flutters whenever I read this exchange and all of our others for what feels like the hundredth time. Our texting flirtations are seriously giving me life.
My phone pings, and I see I have a new message from Luna. My heart starts pounding in overdrive and I fight back a squee.
Luna:Hello, gorgeous. What are you up to right now?
Grinning from ear to ear, I immediately type out my response.
Me:Lazing around on my day off. Can’t rouse myself to do anything but chill out. Work’s been kind of brutal these past few days, it always is around this time of year.
Luna:Poor baby. If I were there, I’d give you all of Luna’s Tender Loving Care (trademark pending).
I can’t hold back a snort of laughter.
Me:Why does that feel like a line…?
Luna:Gasp! I would never!
Me:*laughing face emoji* Tell me more about what this tender, loving care would involve.
Luna:Oh it’s a whole process, but first I’d give you the best damn full-body massage of your life.
Me:Go on…
Luna:What can I say? Having eight mega talented appendages has many advantages.
My heart pounds in my chest and my cheeks flush.
Me:Your tentacles can provide massage therapy?
Luna:That and soooo much more.
“Fuck,” I whisper to myself. I cross my legs but am unable to stop the pulsing throb between them.
