I giggled and placed a hand on her arm.
“Come on, pretty girl, let’s get you back to your perfect man,” I said, and we rejoined the group.
I departed a little before my friends did, tired but happy. Once again I’d spent an evening alone and lived to tel the tale. I wondered if other
single women understood the delight that came from fifth-wheeling it. To not have to make smal talk with some guy you’d been set up with, to not
have to worry about some idiot with peppercorn-encrusted-filet breath trying to force his wiggly tongue down the back of your throat, and to not have
to explain to that same idiot why you insist on taking a cab home when his super-fast Camaro is parked right over there.
I’d enjoyed—or should I say mostly enjoyed—an assortment of relationships since high school, but hadn’t real y been in love for a long time.
Not since senior year of col ege. And since that fel apart, I’d had just a series of casual flings, never real y feeling ful y invested in anyone. Hence my
current hiatus from dating. Getting al the parts to line up seemed more and more difficult for me as I got older, and the process could be
exhausting. Lower Caroline might be on board, but Brain and Heart always seemed to have reservations. Plus, now that my O was also absent, for
who knew how long, I was finding my solitary lifestyle more and more appealing.
As I mused over these thoughts, headed home in a cab, my phone beeped. I had a text from a number I didn’t recognize.
Have a good time tonight?
Who the hell is texting me?
Who the hell is texting me?
As I waited for the reply, I leaned down and slipped off my shoes. Fantastic heels, but damn, they hurt my feet. My phone beeped again, and I read.
Some people cal me Wal banger.
I hated myself a little for the way my now-naked toes curled. Stupid toes.
Wallbanger, huh?
Wait a minute - how did you get my number?
I knew it was either Mimi or Sophia. Damn girls. They were real y pushing it lately.
I can’t reveal my sources.
So, did you have a good time tonight?
Okay, I can play this game.
In fact I did. On my way home now.
How is the Emerald Isle? Lonely yet?
It’s beautiful actual y, just having breakfast.
And I am never lonely.
I believe that. Did you buy my sweater?
Working on it, want to get just the right one.
Yes, please give me a good one.
Not going to respond to that one…how’s that pussy of yours?
Really not going to respond to that one.
Is there something you wanted?
This not responding thing is getting harder…
I know what you mean. It’s hard not to touch that one.
Okay, official y ending this round.
The innuendos are too thick to see straight.
Oh, I don’t know, it’s better when it’s thick…
Wow. I’m enjoying this truce more than I expected.
I have to admit it’s good for me too.
Are you home yet?
Yep, just pulled up in front of our building.
Okay, I’l wait until you’re inside.
Bet you can’t wait to get inside.
You’re a demon, you know that?
I have been told. Okay, inside. Just kicked your door, btw.
Thanks.
Just being a good neighbor.
Goodnight, Caroline.
Good morning, Simon.
I laughed as I turned the key in my lock and went inside. I sank into my couch, stil laughing. Clive quickly jumped into my lap, and I petted his silky fur
as he purred his welcome home. My phone beeped once more.
Did you real y kick my door?
Shut up. Go eat your breakfast.
I laughed again as I silenced my phone for the night and lay back onto the couch. Clive perched on my chest as I relaxed for a bit, thoughts of
that damn wal banger in my head. It was shocking how clearly I could picture him: soft faded jeans, hiking boots a la Jake Ryan from Sixteen
Candles, off-white Irish cable knit turtleneck sweater, hair al in disarray. Standing on a rocky coast somewhere, ocean in the background. A little
tan, slightly weathered, hands in pockets. And that grin…
Chapter Nine
TEXT BETWEEN CAROLINE AND SIMON:
You had a package delivered.
I signed for it and it’s at my place.
Thanks. I’l pick it up when I’m back. How are you?
Good, just working. How are the Irish?
Lucky. How’s that insane cat?
Lucky. I caught him trying to climb the walls.
He’s still looking for Purina. Misses her.
I don’t think a romance is in the cards for those two.
Probably not… he won’t be over it anytime soon tho.
Might have to bump up his catnip ration.
Don’t overmedicate.
No one likes a pussy that can’t hold a conversation.
I’m actually a little scared of you.
LOL. Don’t be scared. Wait until I offer you candy for that.
If I catch you in a trench coat I’m running the other way!