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I stretch my arms in the air, willing myself to move, but it doesn’t work. My bed is warm, and my comforter is fluffy.

Guilt slowly creeps in.

I never sleep in this late. I need to stop being so lazy.

I shut those words down before they expand, and tuck myself further into the comforter, letting myself enjoy this moment, not feeding into some stupid narrative that my brain is trying to sell me.

I grab my phone off the nightstand to check if I have any messages or missed calls. Nothing. I tap open some social media apps and mindlessly scroll through. I’m not big on social media, and I rarely use it, but today, I decide to mix up my morning routine—just a little. A smile spreads across my face at the memes that appear in my feed, specially curated for me. I howl out a laugh at one in particular. I scan further through the app until a message pops up on my screen.

Calvin: Good morning, Lettie

Me: Good morning, Cal

Calvin: I wasn’t sure if you were up yet, but then I heard my favorite laugh

My cheeks warm, and I’m grateful there’s a wall between us so he doesn’t know what his words do to me.

Calvin: What’s so funny over there?

At first, I’m confused by his statement because it’s just me, and then I remember the meme. I send it over to him, and he quickly sends a laughing emoji back. He sends a similar meme over in return, and I burst out laughing again.

Calvin: There’s my favorite laugh again *smile emoji*

I like his text, and before I have a chance to think of a response, another message from him rolls in.

Calvin: Do you want to grab breakfast?

Me: Sure

Calvin: Your car got towed late last night, fyi

Calvin: I’ll fill you in over food

Half an hour later, Calvin and I are in the inn’s tiny dining room with a few small tables crammed together.

We are the only couple here. Not that we are a couple, just the only people currently residing in the space together.

I bring the cup of hot coffee to my lips, taking a second to appreciate the aroma before sipping.

“Okay. What’s the deal with my car?” I ask, cutting right to the point.

“Soo,” he starts, drawing out the word as he places the white coffee mug to his lips, then returns it to the coaster on the table. “I received a call late last night that the car was towed to the nearest garage. They’re supposed to call me soon with an update.”

His phone is sitting next to his coffee cup as he fidgets with it a few times, flicking through messages and things. His foot is tapping underneath the table as he scratches his jawline, fingers combing through his dirty blond beard.

Guilt tugs at me. Calvin is busy with a full schedule and social life, and he’s stuck with me during his only bye week this season.

I’m about to apologize or come up with a solution to get back to the city, but words fall out of his mouth first. “Listen, I’m sorry about this.”

“Why are you apologizing to me?” I ask, taken aback. “I’m the one with the shitty car.”

“Oh yeah, that’s right. It’s all your fault.” His tone is light and teasing.

“Hey!” I fight back with zero heat. There’s a smile plastered on both of our faces. Must be the coffee instead of the company, right?

I don’t understand how he can make everything better with just a few words. He’s like a mood magician, bringing good vibes wherever he goes, even when he is stranded with his best friend’s sister in Cape Cod.

We dig into our eggs, barely talking amongst each other until we both wipe our plates clean.