Checking up on you, as requested.
(This is Mark, by the way.)
Even though the idea of signing a contract to date someone makes me feel insane, there’s a rush of warmth in my chest.
I have to laugh at his use of proper punctuation in texts. It’s like he was born with a tie on.
Ruby:
nice of you
I chew on my lip as I add him to my contacts, searching for a way to keep the conversation going without addressing the paperwork directly yet. What do I even know about him?Dinner with Jack Welch? A dog named Ralph? Daddy issues?
Ruby:
so do you still watch rugby?
He sends me a photo of a TV with what I assume is a rugby game on the screen.
Mark Winterson:
you’re psychic.
Somehow I don’t want to think about what Tita Wendy would say.
Ruby:
no idea what’s happening on that screen
Mark Winterson:
i could explain it to you.
I consider saying:You should explain in personsometimeorSomething to look forward to.But the wholecontract for my soulthing is holding me back, scared to ring a bell I can’t unring.
An old thought works its way to the surface like a worm after heavy rain:Wow, selfish of you. Couldn’t even do this one thing for her when she does so much for you.
And a new one is close on its heels:It’s not like it wouldn’t also be something for you!A highlight reel of moments when Mark Winterson made my heart flutter spins through my head, a carnival ride with too much velocity.
There are still other things you can rule out!
But here’s this opportunity, right here!
I take so long to reply that he must get nervous.
Mark Winterson:
hope I didn’t scare you earlier.
Ruby:
you didn’t
And because that reads so blunt, sitting there by itself, I add:
Ruby:
hope you have a good night!
