Angie: I don’t want what our relationship is becoming, to become something that revolves around money.
I think about our positions. Me, making more than I care to make while designing video games, and Angie, finishing up school and working at a TapHouse while still living at home. Fuck. Why didn’t I think about that?
Me: You’re right. I’m sorry. But think of it as a present for me.
Angie: Okay…when you put it that way.
Angie: What are the correct colors to wear on a golf course?
I chuckle as I look at her question because I know what she’s getting at.
Me: If they don’t have black, what’s your alternate color?
Angie: Rose pink.
I rear back my head, shocked at her next color. Shaking my head, I respond.
Me: Rose pink. Got it.
Angie: Did that shock you?
Me: A little bit.
Angie: I like shocking people. It keeps the mystery alive.
Me: Good thing I used to play lead detective when James and I were little.
Angie: Are you flirting with me?
Me: For the past few weeks actually.
Angie: Keep it up.
Angie: I’m sure you have to get ready for work. I’ll see you tomorrow.
Me: I do. See you tomorrow.
Smiling, I pocket my phone and head into my kitchen to brew my coffee. One good thing I picked up from spending time with James and Emily was her incessant need to make us any proper fuel in the form of caffeine. Before James passed, I had them over for a crash course in how to make my own coffee. It didn’t end there, Emily showed me the best beans to use for espresso to make the best latte and cappuccino. Since Fridays are usually an easy day at work, I just make a coffee and pour in some almond milk.
Leaning against the counter, I look around the darkened living room that’s beginning to lighten up from the rising sun peeking behind the curtains. I think some people would call me crazy for buying a place as huge as this one. But after living in a house with six other people and thensharing a tiny college dorm room with Carter, I craved a space to call my own. Sure, it would be nice to share this space with a significant other, but I get ahead of myself as I let myself picture someone walking down the stairs after stumbling out of my bedroom with bedridden hair and socks scrunched at different lengths. It’s already so easy for me to picture that person being Angie. The way I’ve effortlessly been able to slide her into my life by disrupting my routine hasn’t made me want to freak out.
I look at the time on the stove, place my empty mug in the sink, and head to the living room. This space, the living room in particular, was a selling point for me all those years ago. I gutted as much as I could before I managed to hire it out. The floors have been restored to their original oak shade, and the white walls reflect the sunshine that blasts in here during the day. I turned one of the rooms off the hallway into a dining room, and on the off-chance my family does come over, we have a space to congregate. Pressing the button on the wall, the curtains part as the city of Philly creates a picturesque view. Seeing the lights mix with the new day never gets old. Snagging my keys off the hook, I turn off the overhead light and head out to work.
“No,”I say for the fifth time as my online search comes up wrong. For the last hour, I’ve been searching for the perfect golf outfit for Angie. While I’ve found the shops, the hours of operation have been less than ideal for someone who needs to buy one today.
Looking at my email, I don’t see anything that needs immediate attention and push back from my chair to let Jerry know I’m headed out.
“Brandon,” Carter calls out on my walk to Jerry’s office.
“What’s up?”
“Nothing,” he says and I smirk. “Where are you headed to?”
“Jerry’s. I need to head out for a bit.”
“Ah. Afternoon delight. Unexpected coming from you, but I don’t deny that the appeal is high.”
I lightly smack him on his arm and his laughter knows that’s not what I’m doing. The idea of moving to that place with Angie thrills me, but it also scares the living shit out of me.
