I text Callie a photo of my pristine white marble surroundings and then open up the message from Milo.
MILO
Look who I slept with last night?!
Attached is a photo of a body pillow that he’s taped a printout of John’s face to.
He gets a passive-aggressive thumbs-up-emoji response for that.
There’s a text from my sweet mother, asking if I want to stay with them while we’re in Cleveland.
MOM
At least come by for supper! Johnny invited Dad and me to his fundraiser event, and we’d so love to support him, but I really don’t think I should leave the puppy alone for more than an hour! Also, I promised your father that he will only have to put his good suit on again when we attend his children’s weddings.
Message received, Mom. Message received.
ME
I’ll ask Johnny! Send more puppy pics!
Opening up my text convo with my brother, I realize I haven’t written to him since we left for London.
ME
Are we glad, jealous, or slightly resentful that Mom and Dad didn’t get a puppy until we moved out?
He replies immediately, which is so strange.
NATHAN
It can be all three. It’s definitely all three for me. He’s so cute, though.
ME
You know who else is cute? Your best friend. Where have you been hiding him all my life?
NATHAN
I nearly drop my phone into the water when I see the emoji response. Oh my God. My brother is in love. He’s in love with his girlfriend. Nathan has always despised emojis, even more than he hates the West Coast. For as long as I can remember, he has refused to reply to texts or emails if there’s an emoji in them. Katie must use emojis. Now my brother is using them. I am as surprised as the surprised-cat emoji. If Nathan can fall in love and change, then maybe John can too. So why does that make me feel so anxious?
NATHAN
Waited for an eye-roll emoji, but it didn’t come. I’m happy for you. I can’t wait for you to meet Katie.
ME
I am so excited to meet her!!!!!
NATHAN
That was totally disingenuous, and that is why I hate emojis.
ME
OMG I could not be more ingenuous! I am so excited to meet the woman who doesn’t find you gross and annoying and stupid.
NATHAN
