“Be right there,” she yelled back. “One sec.”
Chat stood still as TC said thanks.
A second later, the silence felt louder than ever. Chat’s presence felt louder than ever.
“You can’t be down here,” Augie whispered, though to her surprise, she was almost laughing now. What did it matter, really? Who the hell really cared?
“This is kind of the holy grail.”
Augie twisted her mouth to hide her smile.
“Okay, I’ll let you go. Be careful with that precious cargo.”
Augie readjusted the weight of the box in her arms and moved toward the door.
“Augie, one last question. How about instead I just get your number?”
Augie leaned into the door’s horizontal handle until it clicked.
“Well, I am trying to stay off my phone. But”—she paused, knowing this was a bad idea, yet continuing all the same—“if you really want to get in touch, my last name is Elling. You can find me on LinkedIn. That’s the only social media I’m using these days.”
Chat beamed. “That makes sense. I couldn’t find your profiles. Though, again, I was onlylightlystalking. I appreciate the invitation to connect.”
Augie thought of Leah’s comment then, how he hadn’t accepted her friend request. It seemed surprising given he had tried to find Augie online, although Leah had said he didn’t post often. He didn’t seem like the kind of guy who would be social media savvy; he was too down to earth.
“All right, I gotta go.Wehave to go.” Augie pushed the door open and glanced down the hall to make sure they were in the clear. “You leave first. I don’t want you to get locked in here or something... You know they’dallbe missing you.”
“And I’d be missingyou.” Chat stepped out the door, cocked his head, and spun back toward her. “All right, was that too far? Too cheesy? A little cringe?” He smiled wider as he walked backward down the hall, holding eye contact as he pulled his hat from his pocket and put it on.
Finally, despite herself, Augie laughed.
Interstitial
Chat Efhart • 9:37 PM
This is really you right
Not Allie Von Something
Augie Elling • 10:14 PM
That’s just my boat persona.
But yes, it’s just me now.
Unfortunately.
Chat Efhart • 10:15 PM
Definitely not unfortunate
Although I liked the boat persona too
How was the rest of your night?
Augie Elling • 10:16 PM
It was fine, long.
