10
SUTTON
Iwake up before my alarm, which is deeply offensive considering I decided to take the day off. For a solid thirty seconds, I lie here staring at the ceiling, trying to convince myself to go back to sleep, but my brain refuses.
Instead, it immediately replays Shepherd Haynes’ texts from last night. The way I teased him about Nebraska fans, the way he didn’t text bomb me in response. The way I smiled like a fucking giddy teenager while I was writing him.
What is even happening to me?
I groan and drag a pillow over my face. This is exactly why I don’t let people get comfortable in my space. Comfort leads to thinking and thinking leads to feelings and feelings…well, feelings lead to bad decisions. Case in point: the fact that I check my phone before I even get out of bed.
No messages.
I’m smacked in the chest with a pang of disappointment but also, what did I expect? Shepherd isn’t the type to text me at all hours of the day, thank God. He’s not needy or controlling and I appreciate that about him more than he will ever know. I tossthe phone aside, get up, and immediately decide I need a distraction.
A real one.
Something that doesn’t involve work or football or thinking about a quarterback who somehow manages to make calm feel dangerous.
Thrifting.
Yes.
Perfect.
I could use a little mindless browsing. It’s low stakes and cheap dopamine and that’s just what I need to knock off a little stress. I grab my coffee and scroll through a few local thrift store locations, planning my route like I’m preparing for a treasure hunt, when my phone dings in my hand with an incoming text.
Shepherd
Morning. I know you’ll be heading to work today so thought I’d ask if it’s okay if I stop by the bar tonight?
My stomach does an annoying little flip that he’s even texting me let alone asking permission to be in my place of employment. It’s not like it isn’t a public place. But then I remember that I forgot to tell him I was taking the day off, so I type back quickly.
Me
Actually, I decided to take the day off.
Three dots appear immediately.
Shepherd
Good for you? Or are you sick? In which case, what canI do to help?
Me
Not sick. Just need to destress a little.
Shepherd
That’s fair. So, what does someone like yourself do to destress? Jog? Dance down the street like nobody’s watching? Stuff your face with tacos and ice cream?
Me
Nah. I tend to avoid people and hunt for treasure.
There’s a lag in our conversation and I wonder what he’s doing on the other end of this text string. Is he lying in bed? Did he just get out of the shower? Does he have clothes on? Or is he at the stadium bright and early this morning?
Shepherd
