Hugo
I did but I think I might be to the point in my life where going out just doesn’t hold the appeal it once did. You know? Like I’m ready for something else.
Me
A relationship?
Hugo
Yeah, maybe. It’s a little daunting to think about since I’ve lived my life pretty freely to this point. I don’t know the first thing about settling down.
Me
I think you’ll be a great boyfriend.
Was that too on the nose? It’s the truth at any rate.
Hugo
That’s sweet of you to say. I’m not sure you’re right but I appreciate it all the same. Hey, I told my friend about you.
My eyes get wide until I realize that he’s talking about me. Hetold me about the girl he’s been talking to. I wonder if he realizes we’ve barely texted this way since the first time I came over.
Me
You did?
Hugo
Yes. I told him I met this really sweet girl and we’ve been texting.
I grin. I want to point out that we haven’t been texting without it sounding like I’m pushing him away. Should I look up how to do that? Maybe just a little subtle… nudge in that direction. I want to give the real me a fighting chance here.
Me
That’s so cute! We haven’t been able to connect much lately.
I debate that one for a few minutes, changing a word here and there before sending it.
Hugo
We haven’t. But the times we do get to talk just feel so… relaxed. Like I can just be myself.
Me
I hope you are always yourself. I enjoy talking to you too.
It occurs to me that maybe I could just be the one to end this. Then he can concentrate on… uh, me. This is already getting too complicated in my head. But the idea that I might hurt him if he does that has me feeling nauseous, so I know that’s not going to happen. I’ll just have to find a way to marry the two lives.
Yep, I just did that. I used the word ‘marry’ in relation to Hugo. Not even sorry.
Hugo
I can let you go to sleep if you want to.
This is my opening. My opportunity to let him go and then nottext him back on this number because I’m confident he’ll messagemetomorrow.
Instead, I respond with something else.
