Why did I ask that? I don’t care.
I’m surprised when I instantly get a message back.
Penny: She finally fell asleep. I think too much cake from earlier paired with all the excitement had her stomach in a fit.
Penny: Good choice on the dark green wainscoting. Whoever had that idea is a genius.
I laugh out loud and lie back on my bed.
Me: The paint guy at the hardware store called it Backwoods. It’s okay, I guess…
Penny: Funny…because that’s all anyone could talk about earlier. Green this, and green that. It was the highlight of the evening.
Me: Right…and not the GRAND OPENING of the shop or anything.
Penny: Lol. For real though… the shop is great. It’s a good addition to the town.
Me: That means a lot. Thank you.
Penny: Anyway. I should get some sleep. Goodnight, Declan. See you around.
Me: Goodnight, Penny.
I put my phone on my nightstand and finish getting ready for bed. Even though it’s late and today was long, I have the urge to head to the other bedroom to draw. I’ve been working on a few pieces the last couple of weeks, and they’re coming along great. I want them to be perfect, so it’s been a slow process.
I stop by the kitchen first to pour myself two fingers of whiskey and then head to my makeshift studio, turning on my Chris Stapleton playlist. As I continue the drawings, I think about Penny and how our conversation over text was almost normal. Like before, when we didn’t know each other.
I would be lying if I said I didn’t miss our usual back-and-forth banter. It was the highlight of my day for months.
Maybe we can still be friends over text. It’s not like we see each other around. I may be actively trying to avoid her and her daughter, but that’s beside the point. We’re still virtually strangers. It could work.
I take a swig of the smoky brown liquid and let the heat slide down my throat before I reach for my phone.
Me: Do you think we could be text buddies again?
I don’t expect her to respond tonight, but a minute later she does.
Penny: Are you un-breaking up with me?
Me: If I remember correctly, you broke up with me.
Penny: Semantics. We can still be text buddies… if that’s what you want. But does that mean you’re still not going to interact with me like a normal person when we see each other in the real world?
Me: I want. But my caveman ways aren’t changing. Sorry, Pen.
Penny: At least you’re honest. But you’ve got a deal. (Handshake)
Me: (Handshake)
Is this a bad idea?
Oh, I know it is.
But I have no self-control.
~ ~ ~
“Thanks for fitting me in before Christmas,” Lucas tells me as he slides onto the adjustable chair at my station.
