My stride remains steady but my pulse quickens, a sudden warmth spreading beneath my ribs.
Me: Where are you?
Gage: Out running errands for Coco.
Gage: Bored as shit.
My fingers pause over the keyboard.Errands. The word sits there, innocent but loaded. The kind that involve duffel bags and burner phones? The kind I should know about?
I swallow hard and keep walking, letting my nail tap against the side of the phone case three times before responding. I push down the unwelcome thought before it can take root.
Me: Oh so I’m your entertainment now?
Gage: I’m never bored when I’m with you.
I exhale softly, adjusting my grip on my phone as I cross the street.
Me: That sounds suspiciously like a line.
Gage: Nah, I don’t need lines with you.
I’m not sure if I should be offended or flattered. Before I can reply, he texts me again.
Gage: San Onofre wasn’t the same without you this week
My steps slow half a beat before I catch myself, gaze flicking instinctively toward where the ocean would be if I could see it from here. Nowthatfeels like a line, but I kind of don’t even care.
Me: You know where I live.
Gage: I was giving you space under terrible advice.
My brows dip low, and I wrack my brain trying to figure out why he thinks I need that.
Me: Well, don’t. If I need it, I’ll tell you.
Gage: You’re going to regret that offer
My teeth sink into my bottom lip, the pressure almost painful. I catch my reflection in a parked car window—stupid grin, flushed cheeks.
Me: I doubt it.
Me: When you’re back, let’s hit San Onofre.
Gage: It’s a date
Gage: You know what else we should do? Black Point Cove.
My thumb hovers over the screen.
Me: With Cruz?
The typing bubble appears, disappears, and comes back.
Gage: If you want him there
The night of the job we talked about cliff jumping, and I haven’t done it in years. Not since I was in Hollow Beach actually.
I bite the inside of my cheek as I walk, then type anyway.
