Most of mineand David’s meals are fresh-made, healthy options from a local meal prep service, with the exception of Thursday and Friday nights, and weekends. I’m trying something new, now that Chrissy has been prioritizing spending more time together. She’s inspired me to attempt to work in a Friday night dinner for the two of us, just she and I, a total treat. Enter scene.
The bright lights above our table are encased in a variety of colorful matte glass cylinders, making the reflection off of the glossy tabletop directly beneath them all kinds of interesting. My eyes bounce around, wall to wall, table to table, taking in the details, the decor as I wait for my bestie to arrive. Yellow walls, the color of maize, heavily cracked (whether by age or design), line this room and the next, even larger one, with mirrors, wrought metalwork, and brightly painted canvases adorning every available space.
I allow myself the treat of a couple of chips and salsa with my water while I wait for Chrissy (one of us is always early, and the other is Chrissy), and check my emails in the meantime.
I’m surprised to find an after-hours design had come through from Asher around six thirty. He must’ve kept working once he went home for the night. A quick scan through my mental Rolodex tells me no one else on our team, short of either of our parents, or possibly, occasionally, Chance would’ve done so on a Friday night.
I tap on the attachment and smile to myself at the cute little ledger in a dorky visor climbing a mountain. Another vacation post. Another gem I think the client will flip for. And, more importantly, will perform for them.
My nails make a quietclack, clack, clackon the screen of my iPhone as I respond to him, telling him it looks fantastic and he did a great job, and to have a good weekend.
To my surprise, in seconds, I get a reply.
Thanks, boss. You too.
Might knock out another one over the weekend, it’s been trying to climb out of my mind and into Procreate all week.
I smile, and write him back.
Surprised to see you still answering your work email this late, and on a Friday night, no less! You’re already ahead of the deadline on this project, so don’t stress over it. But I’ve been there, where an idea is just buzzing to life and you want to jump on it right then and there, give it form, let it take shape. For me, it’s usually ideas, strategies, but as a creative, I can imagine it’s probably even worse.
You’ve probably got better ways to spend your Friday night than working, enjoy it!
My phone buzzes.
That’s exactly how it goes for me. Sometimes I’ll have nothing forming for days. But then once I see it, once it visualizes in my head, I’ve gotta get it out. It eats at me until I do.
Besides, this is fun for me. Feels like it’s breeding ideas for my own venture. I’m liking it.
And lol. Nothing too exciting going on tonight. On a hiatus from going out atm. Focusing on this path for now, or whatever.
ATM? Does he need to get more money before he goes out again?
Before I can respond, my phone buzzes again. My stomach flips a little, an unwanted frisson of excitement at the thought it might be another email from my new unlikely friend. It’s not.
The Bestie
Don’t hate me
We had a little boo boo before Mommy could make it out the door
Me
Oh no! Is everyone okay?
An image comes through, of Lea (their three-and-a-half-year-old), a bandaid on her little elbow, pout on her precious tiny face, snuggled in Chrissy’s arms, very securely, and probably permanently, on the couch. Her second youngest, Preston, is underneath Chrissy’s other arm, and I’m not even sure how she managed to capture this shot. Must be a mom super power. It’s clear from the pic that no one is moving before bedtime.
I send back the lipstick kiss emoji with the effect that makes it pop all over her screen a thousand times and send them my love, then settle in for a solo dining sesh. Good chance to catch up on emails I didn’t get to fully clear out before leaving the office to attempt a social life, at least.
The strangest thought strikes me that I could invite Asher to dinner. He’s clearly also got his mind on work, and says he doesn’t have plans. But then again, did he also hint at being low on cash? Don’t want to put him in an awkward spot, just to talk business all night.
Eh, scratch that. Best leave business relationships for business hours, in business settings. Some lines can’t be un-blurred, and no one wants to be obligated to hang out with their sort-of boss. He’s got way better stuff to do with his time, I’m sure.
SEVEN
ELLIE
I’ve pumped myself up for this fordays.
