You wouldn’t still be replying if you didn’t want to see me again.
A long pause this time.
The longest one yet.
My heartbeat slows, and tightens.
Then:
Ruby:
…maybe coffee.
I’ll let you know in the morning.
I smile, a real one, the kind I haven’t felt in a long time.
Me:
Goodnight, Ruby.
Her reply is immediate.
Ruby:
Goodnight.
I lock my phone, lie back on the bed, and stare at the ceiling.
She thinks she’s delaying, she thinks she’s setting boundaries, and she thinks she’s protecting herself.
She doesn’t realize it yet, but every time she replies, even with hesitation, even with fear, even with denial…
She chooses me a little more.
And tomorrow?
I plan to collect on that choice.
Ruby’s Midnight Dickappointment Alert
SEXY NINE GROUP CHAT
Ava renamed the chat
Ava:
RUBY.
WAKE UP.
WAKE UP.
WAKE.
THE FUCK.
UP.
