I swallow.
Frankie: can i ask u sumn?
User: sure.
My heart poundsas I type.
Frankie: would u be open to meeting in person?
Frankie: just to talk… maybe future stuff.
There’s a pause,longer this time and I brace myself for embarrassment.
Then—
User: yeah. id like that. i actually was hoping u would ask.
I sink downonto the closed toilet lid again, phone clutched tight in my hand.
Holy shit.
Frankie: im in London near the awards venue tonight… if you’re around.
User: i know.
That makes my stomach flip.
Frankie: dat wasn’t meant to sound weird.
User: its late frankie dont invite strangers to drink with u.
User: how about tomorrow?
I closemy eyes and exhale slowly. It is reckless to invite a stranger for drinks at this hour of night.
Frankie: understandable… we can meet at my office tomorrow @ 10:00. ill send the details.
?User: 13:00 works best cause i got other obligations.
Frankie: okay. Thank u & thank u for the money. All of it. ?
User: No worries.
User: im so proud of u for walking out btw.
My throat tightens again,and this time I don’t fight it.
Frankie: cheers.
twenty-one
see it. say it. sorted.
Frankie.
?“I guessyou didn’t take into consideration how what you did would affect us.”
The room isquiet after that.
