My textbook is open in front of me, a selection of highlighters, sticky flags, and flash cards surround me, as well as a bag of dropjes sent two days ago from Phillip.
Parsnip hops down from his perch on the cat tower and bumbles down the hall at the sound of the door opening.
“Escapee on his way to you!” I shout.
“All good!” Fee calls back.
Yesterday, he slipped out, and we spent fifteen minutes luring him back with treats.
She appears a moment later carrying a box. “It’s from Romanand Lexi.” She sets it on the counter. “And Rix.” She holds up the card attached to it. “And apparently Flip.”
I abandon my textbook and cue card making to check out the contents and the note.
Fee and Tally,
Sending you both tons of love on your finals. The balanced meals are from Roman, the cream puffs are from Lexi, and Black Forest-inspired food items and the cherry chip cupcakes with cherry icing are courtesy of my brother. ;)
Love and hugs,
Rix
I hug the card to my chest and bite my lips together.
Fee wraps her arms around me. “Got a case of the big feels?”
“Yeah.” The pause felt necessary, essential even, so I could focus on exams and dance, instead of my relationship and all the fears and hopes that come with it. Phillip has been giving me space, which I need, but he’s still taking care of me from a distance. A comfy new hoodie arrived two days ago, and now the study snacks. He’s telling me he’s here for me. In return, I overnighted one of his t-shirts I’ve been sleeping in to his hotel in Chicago. It’s a little thing, but I want him to know I care.
Fee and I send a message to the Babe chat with a picture of our box of goodies and a thank you.
Rix
Happy to help with brain fuel.
Essie
Oooh. Those cupcakes look delicious.
Rix
There might be extras if Tristan hasn’t already found the ones I hid in the freezer.
Hemi
Hammer, have you left for the office yet?
Hammer
I have not.
Rix
LOL. I can meet you at street level in ten with office fuel!
A photo of a plastic container full of cupcakes follows.
Shilpa
I’m so glad I’m in the office today!
