I don’t date. Period. Mainly because of Brian, who I met when I was taking some college courses. I was stupid back then. And that’s enough talking about him…. Dating for me is where it becomes a bit tricky. I like men; I am a woman after all. But, I don’t want a gay or bi man. I want a straight one. Trust me there is a huge difference. The main problem with that is having to come clean with my extra appendage. And I’m not so sure how many of them will react. Brian never cared, but he never touched it either. Lincoln, Roni, Brian, my mom, and my old lawyer are the only people who know about lady. They’re all accepting of my appendage. I just don’t know how any other men would be. I can’t risk everyone finding out and me falling victim to hate crimes and treated different in a town I love wholeheartedly. It’s not worth what I’ll gain, because I can lose so much more in the process. No matter how tempting, it’s not worth the gamble. Flirting is one thing and I can do that quite well. Beyond that is a no, no, in my book. Corey almost came into contact with it tonight. It would have freaked him out, as it should, in a sense. I don’t know what to think to be honest. All I know is I am tired. I had a long night. I just pray that you don’t write me off because I’m not like everybody else.
Chapter Twelve
Saturday
Rolling onto my side, I grab my phone from my nightstand and unplug it. It’s on vibrate and it won’t stop making noise, bouncing irritatingly all over my nightstand. I turned it off at seven this morning when it kept trying to wake me up with my alarm. I didn’t get up and do yoga for the first time in almost a year. I don’t feel like it. I feel like shit. My stomach’s a mess, my body aches and I’m depressed. I might not get out of bed all day.
Sliding on my phone, it’s ten already and I have eight texts. Gee-whiz people, I am fine.
Lincoln: How’s my girl doin?
Lincoln: Corey woke up about an hour ago at the hospital. He’s ok. Told me to tell you and Roni he’s very sorry. Let me know if you want to press charges.
Lincoln: Lex…text me back. I’m coming over at noon if I haven’t heard from you.
Smiling at his sweetness, I scoot up in my bed and hit the reply button.
Me: Elias Lincoln, stop worrying about me. I’m fine and I love you. Thank you for being there for me. But I’m good…Promise. Go to sleep and no I won’t press charges unless he sues Gage.
Lincoln: He’s not suing Gage. I think he’s worried what’ll happen if he does. If you’re not fine, you had better tell me. I worry about you. You’re my girl and I will take care of you. Seems I’ll have to stand in line for that job. Gage and Roni are ten steps ahead of me. Went to Barbie’s this morning she’s worried about you too. Wants to kill Corey herself. That woman is a mama bear when it comes to you.
Me: I love Barbie. If she’s my mama bear, what does that make you? You know you’re my number one Linc. I love you.
Lincoln: I love you more and I’m the protective pit-bull in your corner.
Me: You can’t be like Lucy
Lincoln: I’m not, but I can relate with her. Have I told you how much I love her and appreciate you giving her to me?
Me: Not lately, but I’m sure the first year of free sweets from Barbie’s made up for it. Lol. I’m just glad she loves her daddy.
Lucy is the blue nose pit I bought for Lincoln three years ago for Christmas. After everything that went down with Brian years before, I never felt like I could ever repay him enough. A year before that, his dog Frank died of old age, and I knew he needed a companion. So I surprised him with Lucy. She was an abused rescue dog from a shelter three towns away. I knew they’d be perfect companions for each other. I’m not sure why Linc doesn’t date but I’ve never seen him with a woman. And I know he’s not gay. That’s why a dog suits him just perfectly.
Lincoln: That she does. I’ve been pounding the coffee back waiting to hear from you. I’m going to catch some zzzz’s. Call me if you need anything. Love ya, sweetheart.
Me: Love ya too, ya big lug. XOXOXO
Well, that’s three of the eight messages down. I’ve got five to go.
Mom: Lincoln stopped by this morning at work and told me everything that happened. I’m going to do the mom thing and ask if you’re alright. Love you.
Me: Mom, are you actually texting?
Mom: Yes. I can hang with you kids. How is everything?
Me: It’s fine. I keep telling everyone that. I’ll come see you today or tomorrow. Don’t worry.
Mom: I’m your mom; I always worry. It’s part of the job description. See ya when you stop in.