Chapter 34 What’s Life Without Seasoning?
It was just a joke, y’all. My apologies to Laniah Thompson and Issac Jordan. I went on one date with her way back, and I don’t even know Issac, Darius posts to his Instagram. Eight hours later, he deletes his account. Just like Bernie said he would.
At the shop, people stare at me curiously, maybe even with some sympathy over the situation, but no one mentions it. In the afternoon, Dr. Rotondo’s office releases my records to me and says they’re transferring them to my new doctor’s office too. When the shop closes hours later, Sherry comes to sign the contract with us and brings a bottle of champagne to celebrate the beginning of our investorship (as Lex calls it). But even with all the good, I’ve been down throughout the day thinking of how I was supposed to be with Issac. Confusing feelings aside, ignoring the fact that we kissed (if that’s what one would call a faint brushing of lips), part of me wonders if the reason why the sky felt like it was falling when he told me he was going to end our fake relationship was because our friendship has felt as strong these past few weeks as it had before he moved to Cali. Chemistry or not, kiss or not, I had a hard time telling him how much I was missing us, and now the feeling is setting in again.
My phone dings with his familiar tone—the one only for him—and my stomach flips like he could feel me thinking of him. I stand up from sitting at the bay windowsill. Mom, Lex, and Sherry are laughing and telling jokes, so wrapped up that they don’t notice when I slip off to the back room to read the text in private. Issac could be wondering if I’m okay or telling me something about his plans for the breakup, or maybe he’s saying he regrets the kiss, asking if I want to talk about it. I brace myself for whatever it is, sit at the table, and take a breath.
I’m going to say something and it’s going to sound selfish, but I wish you were here.
I read the text three times, my body vibrating, before he sends another.
I stand by the decision about ending things but regret canceling your flight. I keep envisioning you picking one of these dresses a designer tailored just for you. Bernie’s giving me shit because I can’t decide on which tux to wear to the exhibition tomorrow. But it’s because I wanted to match your dress, give you the choice first. So now that none of it’s happening, I’ve been sad as hell. And I really don’t want to show Secret Sun to the world without you. All of this sounds so silly, doesn’t it?
No, it doesn’t sound silly, I type back, pulse racing, heart feeling a mix of happy and heavy. Then, I’m a little mad at you. I wanted to see your life’s work and wear matching outfits and eat fried chicken while talking about your success. Did we really need the distance before you told the media?
/3, he sends. I’m sorry. I made a mistake.
:’(, I send back. It’s alright. I wait for him to mention the kiss, but he doesn’t.
If it’s any consolation, you might find the exhibition stuffy and pretentious. Lots of press, fancy outfits, members of the royal family (kidding, I think), but the food will probably be seasonless, and even though you and I could probably dance to just about anything, the music might be stiff because they didn’t take my DJ suggestion. Maybe you wouldn’t enjoy yourself at all.
I smile, say, Take Franklin the crab or ask Bernie to be your date. He looks like he knows how to get down on the dance floor.
Oh, Bernie will be there whether I like it or not, and you’re right…did you know the guy knows how to breakdance? Ask him to do a head spin next time you see him.
I laugh. Not Bernie spinning on that half shiny head.
It is a sight to see, Issac texts, but we won’t have to miss each other for long. I’ll come down in a few weeks, okay?
Okay 3…but Issac, I would’ve brought the seasoning in my purse for us.
That’s why I love you, he says. Talk later.
I hold the phone close to me and look up at the ceiling.
Lex startles me when he speaks from the doorway. “I know that look.” His expression is somber when he comes over and sits near me. “You’re pining to be close to him.”
“I think…maybe I am.”
“So, what are you going to do about it, babe?”