My little baby boy.
The thought caught me off-guard, especially the word “my,” but I didn’t have a chance to think about that when another text came in.
I found your card.
I see.
It wasin my bib pocket.
I did put one there.I’m glad you found it.
I wasn’tsure if I should contact you. I was at work until 9. Then I went by the club. But I didn’t stay.
Where do you work?
City College Campus Pub.
Why didn’tyou stay at the club?
The little dots were moving,then stopped. No text came through. Was that the wrong question to ask?
I wanted to know Sage better. In fact, I wanted to know everything about him after only one meeting. I tried not to over-think why.
As I watched my phone screen and waited, the dots finally started bouncing again.
You weren’t there.
I don’tfrequent that place often. I used to years ago.
I startedto dictate more explanations but stopped when I realized what he’d said.You weren’t there.
My breath caught. He didn’t want to know why. He wanted me to know he’d been looking for me. Bravely, I texted:
Do you want to meet?
The dots stayed stillfor far too long. Was he shy? Was I pressing too hard too fast? My phone went dark as I waited. I pressed the screen to keep it open. As I did that, it dinged.
Yes.
I tried notto sound too eager, but that was a failure.
When and where?
I getoff work tomorrow at 6. Is that too late for you?
No.
I had startedto say “No, baby” but had to delete the last word. It felt right but too early. I added:
We could meet anywhereyou like. Will you be hungry?
Yes.Do you know Tilly’s on Main?
Yes.
I could be thereby 6:30.
Sounds good.I’ll be there.
