Page 21 of Worth the Shot

Me

So, friend, do you have any fun plans tomorrow?

There’s a pause before the dots reappear, not long enough to panic, just long enough to feel.

Brennan

Practice at 10. Nap at 1. Adult responsibility avoidance 2–6. You?

Me

Day shift. Off at 7. Probably want to die by 7:05.

I pause and stare like I’m waiting for something to jump out at me. And finally, I type.

Me

Do you like trash TV?

Brennan

I’m not sure, maybe I need an intro before I decide? I don’t mean to brag, but I do have 75” to test it out on.

Me

Is that innuendo? Also, men historically never get the inches thing right.

Brennan

Can’t argue with that. We do love to brag, but I can assure you, the TV size doesn’t lie.

He didn’t say come over. Didn’t say let me see you. He left room. Let me choose.

Me

Okay. Trash TV tomorrow.

Brennan

Laney?

That name, God.

Me

Yeah?

Brennan

Sleep well tonight.

My chest pulls tight.

Me

You too, Halesy.

I place my phone face down on the pillow and let myself smile in the dark, where no one can see it. And for the first time in a long, aching year, sleep comes easy.