They’re both watching me as if waiting for an explanation for my mood. But fuck that. They’ve had bad days too. They can give me one without an interrogation.
“Just cool it, you hear?” Ellis says finally. She rarely calls people out on their behavior, so she must know I’m borderline losing my shit today.
I sigh. “Yeah.”
Turning away, I grab another rope and keep working. If I stay busy enough, maybe I won’t think about them.
About how perfectly they’d felt in my arms.
I already want to go back to Korie.
God, even thinking their name makes me smile.
Soon, Kor. Hopefully we can be together again soon.
It’s late by the time I finally clock out. The damn birthday parties made us work an extra two hours cleaning up their mess.
My shoulders ache, my hands are raw, and my head pounds harder than it has in a long time. But I’ve reorganized half the gear room and fixed things that have been broken for months, which is better than yelling at more innocent kids.
After grabbing my things, I step outside. The evening July air is hot and sticky, the parking lot half full. My mind drifts to Korie, where it never really left.
I’ve thought about them all day long. Every idle moment.
It’s crazy how I ache for them in a way I never have before—in a way I didn’t even know was possible. How could I want someone this badly when they’ve beenright theremy whole life?
I pull my phone out to call them and see there’s already a text waiting for me.
Korie:Thinking of you… xo
And just like that, the weight of the day disappears. I smile instantly.
I type a message as I walk.Hope your day was okay. Miss you.
Three bouncing dots appear almost immediately, as if Korie was waiting for me to get off.
Korie:Hey. Do you want to grab dinner?
My shoulders shake as I stifle a laugh.
Me:You asking me out now? ;)
Korie:I mean… yeah. Can you blame me? ;) I want to see you…
Warmth spreads through me, making every step feel lighter. Damn, these feelings. Where were they hiding all these years?
But I know I need to say no. I’m one bad decision away from bulldozing through every line I’ve been trying to hold, and I don’t want to ruin what we’ve started.
I hit call as I climb into the car.
Korie answers on the first ring. “Hey.”
I drop my head back against the headrest, happy to hear their voice. “Hey.”
“So… dinner?”
“I’d love to, but I can’t tonight, Kor.”
Korie is quiet for a moment. “Oh. Okay.”
