"Ouch." I take my phone back from her, but she has already texted him.
Me:What's your favorite color of the alphabet? True or false?
Pierce:False, for sure.
He's going to think I'm crazy. I suppose it's best he knows now before we're a few months in. I can hold it in so long, and it's exhausting.
Me:Would you rather be a human with fish thoughts or a fish with human thoughts?
Pierce:Fish with human
I snort a laugh. He's really playing along here.
Me: Where do hamsters live?
I have been wondering that for the last hour since Milly told me she'd gotten a hamster from the pet store in the city.
Pierce:Hamsterdam
I burst into laughter, quickly covering my mouth with my hand.
"Why did he go to the city?"
"Work, I think." He does a lot from his laptop, and he'll have calls every now and then. I even got to meet his assistant, Rory, when they had a conference call. She was super sweet. "What if this wears off? He's not from here."
We might not have been able to find Pierce on social media, but there were a ton of articles on him. His name was mentionedin all kinds of direct projects. He is accomplished, and not because it was handed to him. From what I’ve read, he made his own way. He’s told me bits and pieces about growing up in foster homes. He doesn’t overshare, but if I ask him something, he tells me.
"You had to find someone who isn't from here. That was part of the reason for you going to the city."
"I know, he's just different."
"Correct," Katherine agrees. "Only different could handle you."
"True, it's why you're my one friend," I deadpan.
It takes another hour for all the kids to be done.
"I'd ask if you want to hit the diner, but I'm sure you're heading out."
"Shit, I forgot I needed to text my dad when I was done." I pull my phone out of my back pocket. Pierce brought me to town this morning. It takes a few hours to get to the city and again for the drive back. I was going to go hang out at my parents house until Pierce got back.
Disappointment hits me when I see the text from Pierce.
Pierce:Running behind. I might need to end up staying here. I don't want you waiting up.
I show Katherine. "See, back in the city and he already wants to stay."
"Hey, he's been gone for over a week. He probably needs to catch up on work."
I'm sure she's right, but I still don't like it. Not one bit.
"You know…" Katherine trails off.
"Let's do it," I agree, already knowing our new plan.
It's not till we're on the road that it dawns on me that I don't have a clue where I'm going. I mean, I know we need to get to the city, but then what?
"What are we going to do when we get there?"
