Cassie:Yeah
Another pause as I watch the three dots.
Cassie:I missed you this week.
I swallow.
Logan:I missed you, too.
The words feel heavier than they should. Or maybe just more honest.
Cassie:What are you going to do when you get back?
I glance toward the highway. I’m forty-five minutes away. Maybe less.
Logan:Depends
Cassie:On what?
I smirk slightly, shaking my head.
Logan:On whether you’re going to pretend none of this is happening.
Cassie:I’m not pretending.
Logan:Good.
I push off the car, pacing once, energy starting to build in my chest.
Logan:Because I’m not either.
Three dots again.
Cassie:Logan…
I exhale slowly and this is where it shifts.
I know it and she knows it. She better.
Logan:You know I respect you, right?
Cassie:…Yeah
Cassie:Why?
I look out at the empty road, jaw tightening just slightly.
I start, then stop.
And then finish the text.
Logan:Because when I get back it’s probably going to seem like I don’t.
Silence. No typing, and no dots.
Just the dim hum of the gas station lights overhead. Plus my heart kicking a little harder than it should.
I shoot her one more text.
