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Robin: WHAT?

Hayden: She gets what she wants

Robin: what a woman. I am so relieved!

Hayden: Me too. Also, I can’t stop thinking about you

Hayden: Actually, I need to stop thinking about you, because I’m about to be as hard as a brick at the garage.

Robin: send pics.

Hayden: You’re trouble

Robin: didn’t you hear? I’m the sweetest, purest, and most innocent.

Hayden: You looked real innocent when you were on your knees for me last night.

Robin: prayer position.

Hayden: The sacrilege. Fuck, now I’m thinking about you in the shower again.

Robin: that seems like a you problem.

Hayden: Yeah, I definitely want to have that problem again.

Robin: be a good boy and go back to hammering the cars again.

Hayden: Hammering?

Robin: I don’t know how to fix cars. you don’t hammer anything?

Hayden: You’re so cute

Robin:

Hayden: When can I see you again?

Chapter 26

Robin

I get curious looks from the other staff members on Monday. It confirms my suspicion that everyone has heard about the gala. Nobody asks me about it though.

Tom comes to chat with me, asking for updates on Darlene’s funeral. He’s been letting me do a lot of the planning at work. The funeral is technically part of my job, although it sure feels like its own separate task.

By the time my lunch break comes around, I’ve already contacted most of the vendors for final confirmations and started forwarding invoices. I have to admit, I’ve really enjoyed organizing such an elaborate celebration. I felt so nervous at first, but my last few meetings with Hayden were so fun, and I’ve started to trust myself a lot more. It’ll be nice to see it all come together on the big day.

I also take the plunge and email the real estate agent to ask for an application form for one of the apartments.

The living space is slightly smaller, but it has more modern fixtures and a massive closet in the bedroom. It’s near Main Street, so at least I’ll be closer to all my favorite places. Unfortunately, there’s no outdoor space, and I’ll miss my little garden.

I’m exhausted when I go outside to sit on the front steps during my break. But I can’t help feeling proud and accomplished. I made some decisions today, and for once, I didn’t overthink. Well, not much at least.

I call my mom because I haven’t checked in recently and I feel guilty. I miss her. Her cruise is about to end, and she’s unsure where to go next.

“I’ll see where the wind takes me,” she says, and I laugh. I don’t know how she lives like that, but I’m happy she’s happy.

“How’s that funeral coming along? Are you still working with the son of that woman?”