And then it hits me—maybe it’s not time yet. Maybe, like everything else that has been randomly materializing around me, it’ll show up when I need it.
I lean against the window frame and look down at the street below, watching the people going about their normal lives, completely unaware of my existential crisis happening two stories above them.
My phone buzzes in my pocket.
KITTEN:Okay, it’s later. How is your day going?
My heart skips.
ME:Checked out my apartment above the shop, but it’s empty.
The dots dance as she types.
KITTEN:Are you okay?
ME:I guess. Seems I’m only getting pieces of this life as I need them.
KITTEN:Makes sense.
I feel another flash of guilt when I remember my promise we’d do something every day to help with inspiration.
Then I have an idea. I wasn’t planning on doing this date yet, but I think it’s the right time.
ME:Hey. I’m gonna need you to be dressed up and ready for our blind date tonight when I get home.
KITTEN:Blind date?
ME:Yup. You got a red dress?
The dots appear and disappear several times before her reply comes through.
KITTEN:I think so… Why red?
I can almost hear the skepticism as I read her words, and it makes me chuckle.
ME:Because I know you’ll look fucking hot in it, that’s why. I’ll text you when I’m on my way home with further instructions.
KITTEN:You’re getting bossier by the day.
“Oh, kitten,” I murmur to myself. “You have no idea.”
With a Cheshire grin, I pocket my phone and take one last look around the empty space. I guess I’ll know when the time is right to check again.
Locking the door behind me, I head back downstairs.
Claire catches my eye as I reach the bottom. “Everything okay up there?”
My voice sounds overly incredulous when I answer, “Of course.”
She studies my face with the same penetrating gaze she’s always used that tells me she sees through my bullshit. “You seem off today. Anything you want to talk about?”
“Not really,” I shrug. “Just got some personal shit that came up I’m trying to figure out. I’m good.”
Seeing the look in her eye, I brace myself for what I suddenly know is coming. She steps forward and wraps her arms around me, giving me a squeeze.
Man, the woman is strong.
“You know I’m always here if you need to talk.”
