“He forgets we worked with him for eight years and have known him all our lives—” Emma started, her voice growing louder with every word.
“Agata needs me. Chat later. Cheers.” I smiled and waved.
“We know when you’re lying,” Emma finished, practically yelling.
Harrison asked, “Who’s Agata?”
I closed out of the call and sat in the silence, ears ringing.
I did trust Kate. I knew without a doubt that she wouldn’t leak anything to the press. That wasn’t what scared me anymore.
What I couldn’t risk was that she’d stop talking to me. Not yet. I didn’t want her to think I was some nutter with nefarious reasons for talking to her. I couldn’t risk any change. These daily chats meant too much to me, and I looked forward to things. Before Kate, it was all the same day blurring on forever.
Just a little while longer, to ensure she got to know the real me, then I would tell her everything.
7
DRAFT UNSENT
FROM: [email protected]
SUBJECT: What are we doing?
I told my best friends about you last night. I wanted to tell you who I am, but they convinced me I should wait. Honestly, I was being a coward when I asked them. Part of me knew they’d advise me against it in order to protect me. We’ve all been screwed before by people claiming to be our friends.
You’re not like that. I could tell from the first time we spoke … maybe just from your stories. But I do worry about telling you, nonetheless. I worry you won’t believe me. I worry that you will think that this means I want things to change. I don’t want things to change. Or maybe I do. Talking to you is the only thing I have to look forward to.
But maybe … what if we tried a video call? And then I’d—what? Sit with a blanket over my face? Or hide behind a mustache filter?
Christ, I’m pathetic.
I can’t send this …
* * *
FROM: [email protected]
SUBJECT: I was right…
Attachment: AllGrownUp.jpeg
Kate,
Agata is officially in love with the kids. Ever since I moved them out to the hut and they started laying eggs, you’d have thought it was her idea from the beginning. The feeling is mostly mutual. Freddy sometimes pecks at her when Agata takes her eggs. She’s taken to replacing them with rocks. Poor sweet, stupid Freddy.
They’ve all really flourished. The picture attached shows how big they are already. Just a few months and they’re fully grown. My little kiddos, all grown up. Their confidence is, at times, a little much. They strut around the yard pecking and gossiping … well, like hens. I’m told that getting a rooster might help keep them in line.
Which is how they get you. You rescue funny-looking teenaged chicks, then you’re building them a house and collecting eggs, and now I am going to have to get a cock.
That … did not sound right.
I can’t believe how fast my babies have grown. Soon I’ll be a grandpappy. Or at least I will be if I get that rooster. Hmm, now that I think about that, I’d have to be careful to keep him away from the ladies …
Best,
