The truth is, I really want to say hi to Dahlia.
Hey, beautiful. How’s it going over there?
It’s only a minute or two before I see the dots.
Hi. It’s going well. We had a nice dinner with my mom and aunt, and now we’re home. Chloe is out. But before she fell asleep, she asked where you were.
Aw. She did? That’s so sweet.
You made a big impressionon her.
She made a big impression on me. So did her hot mama.
How has your night been?
We had a great dinner, all of us. My grandmas always make enough food for an army. My dad looks so much better than the last time I was home, and he got a good report from the doctor today.
I’m so happy to hear that!
Is it crazy to say that I’m missing you tonight?
If it is, I’m crazy too.
Because you miss me?
Yes.
I have the cheesiest smile on my face right now.
I take a quick picture, cheesing it up, and send it to her.
She sends back a laughing emoji.
Can I call you?
Of course
I pick up on thefirst ring. “Hi.”
“Ahh, I feel better already.”
She laughs, and it sends warmth throughout my veins.
“When can I see you again?” I ask.
“I’m not sure. Christmas is in a few days, and I’ve got to make up some work from being gone.”
“Right. We’re busy around here too. Lots of family stuff going on. Makes me hate the whole keeping-it-a-secret thing. We could be hanging out so much more.”
“I know. It sucks. But you’re a couple of hours away…and don’t have a car in Minnesota, so it would be hard for you to get here anyway. And hard for me to get away from work and the family. Both of our families would be wondering where we were if we disappeared on them.”
“So close and yet so far.” I sigh.
“I have to go back to California for New Year’s Eve. When are you going back?”
“Sounds like I’ll be going back for New Year’s Eve.”
She laughs, and I love the sound so much. “Okay, but I’ll understand if it doesn’t work out. I know your time here isn’t about me, and you need to spend the holidays with your family.”
