Page 79 of Your Pace Or Mine

“For real though, how did this happen? Who is she? Where did you meet?”

I laugh. “We met at Saugeen Hall during dorm orientation.”

“A dorm? You’re not dating a teenager, are you?”

“No! Give me a little credit. I meant we met during my orientation week, as in fourteen years ago.”

There’s a crash like she dropped something. “Oh my God. Are you dating Ashley?”

I hadn’t planned on sharing this with my entire family yet. It’s so new. I’ve barely wrapped my head around it myself; dealing with everyone else’s reaction is a little overwhelming. I suppose Ashley’s mom and sister must already know, so it’s out of the bag. “Yeah, Ashley and I are together.”

She lets out a long breath. “You better get your shit together. She’s a catch, and if you break up, I will choose her over you.”

“Noted, and that would be the right choice.” I’m getting tired of this interrogation, so I try to steer the conversation to where it started. “So back to the texting thing.”

She starts cackling and doesn’t stop for way too long. I can hear her gasping for breath. “Oh, Sebastian. She’s one of your oldest friends. Just text her like you’re used to. Or better yet, ask her. Don’t overthink this.”

Too late. “I’ll try not to. Thanks.”

“No problem. I’m here to be your life coach and navigate this difficult transition. Do you need me to recommend florists? I predict you’ll need to send apology flowers regularly.”

“Very funny,” I reply, hoping she can imagine me rolling my eyes. “I’m sure I can manage. I may not do relationships well, but I do have some skills that can put me back in her good books.”

“Ew, please no. I don’t need to think about that,” she groans.

“Sorry, that’s what you get for mocking me. Thanks for all your stellar advice, sis.”

“Any time, Sebastian,” she says. “And good luck. I’m happy for you. This is great news. You’re growing up.”

I scoff. “You know I’m older than you, right?”

“That doesn’t mean anything. Anyway, stop talking to me. Text your girlfriend.”

Maybe I truly am maturing, because that word makes me feel warm inside. “Will do. Love you.”

“Love you.” I hang up and look at my phone. Before I can finish typing a message to Ashley, it pings with a text.

Ashley:

Hey Bash. XOXO

Hey. What are you up to?

I’m throwing together some dinner and my parents are watching game shows.

Are you panicking?

I guess she does know me.

Only a little. How did you know?

I had a feeling.

Surprisingly, online searches on how to have a relationship aren’t that helpful.

Just kidding. Or not.

Oh Bash.