“You wrote me a song, Jude. You drove four hours and slept on the floor of my living room because you wanted to be with me. I’ve never felt more like a priority. I just don’t want you to get burnt out. And I don’t want you to drive when you’re as exhausted as you were the last time you came home, so if staying there helps you, then that’s what you’re going to do.”
“You’re bossy, Little Girl.”
“When it comes to you, yes.”
“I like it.”
Not complaining, not complaining, not complaining…
That’s what I’ve been telling myself for two weeks. Fourteen days of no wintergreen on my lips and shortened morning songs.
I miss him, but I’ve never been happier. His energy has been completely reset. Ever since the night he drove home, he has a renewed focus. He’s locked in. And not once have I felt locked out.
Yesterday was a month since our first kiss. If Jude hadn’t sent me cheesy messages all day, I’m not sure it would have crossed my mind.
Sam brought me a gorgeous bouquet of daisies, a soft pretzel, a diet cherry limeade, and a handwritten letter.
He held his hands up after setting everything on the counter.
“Don’t hit me, but I’m supposed to give you a hug and kiss your head.”
“Thanks, Sammy.” I patted his back.
“You’re welcome, Smalls. I do love you, but this stuff ain’t from me. Hope you’re not too disappointed. I woulda got you a T-shirt with that hot cowboy hat picture of me you like so much.”
I rolled my eyes with a laugh. “Moose, if you get T-shirts made, I’ll be the first to wear one.”
“I’ll be the second!” Annie called from the couch.
“Aww. Thanks. Hey, I feel bad Danny ain’t here to take you out to dinner. Wanna eat together since you’re off work?”
I shrugged. “Sure.”
“Awesome!” He hopped over the back of the couch and sat next to Annie. “How long will spaghetti take you? I’m starvin’.”
My wake-up call is live this morning, but so, so stupid early that I can’t form thoughts, which is ridiculous since my time zone’s an hour later than Jude’s. He sings me a little Billy Joel and tells me it’ll be a hectic day, so I might not hear from him until late tonight.
Since I’ve had a healthy dose of early morning motivation, I put on a dress and sandals with my hair in a bun and out of my face like a fully functional adult and make an appointment with Career Services.
Jude keeps telling me to quit Pop’s, but I can’t expect him to support me. I don’t doubt he’s sincere, but I won’t put myself in a position to be fully dependent on another person.Anyother person. Not even my mom, so … no. And he understands.
Maybe there is something to getting up early, because after I locate my on-ground classes and leave flyers in several locations for an upcoming Sammy gig, I’ve still got plenty of time to put away laundry, work out, shower for the second time, and outline a paper.
Just as I’m ready to leave for work, my phone lights up with Lainey’s cute face. “Sorry to call, but it’s too much to text. Nathan was here. He’s gone now, but he had a Pop’s shirt on like he worked the early shift. I wanted to tell you in case Dave didn’t.”
“He definitely didn’t.”
“Dang, Lucy. I’m sorry. I put in applications at the theater, an indoor playground, and Fresh Mart. I don’t like any of those options, but I gotta get out of here.”
“Yeah, we both do. Is Gavin there?”
“Yes.” Her voice lowers. “He just got here. I better get back before Dave wonders where I went. Don’t forget it’s kids-eat-free night. Wear good shoes. Remember, smashed fries are slippery.”
“Blech. Okay. I’m on my way. Thanks for the heads up.”
“Hey girl! GIRL! I need more ketchup!” A waist-high toothless child pulls my shirt, leaving greasy paw prints all over me. This may be the night I snap.
“Say please, sweetie.”
