Bonus Epilogue
Cyrus
R unning a hand through my hair, I toss my phone on the table with a disgusted grunt. I do not want a girlfriend, no matter how nice it would be to rub it in my family’s face—especially Titus’s—that I could, in fact, maintain a relationship with a woman.
But can you, though, Cy?
A growl rumbles through my chest as the guilt from my past actions comes rushing over me. I don’t claim to be perfect. Far from it. I’ve spent months grappling with the shame I brought upon my family and myself when I was kicked off the Denver Dragons hockey team.
I rub at the ever-present ache in my chest. Even after a year off the team, I miss them. They were my family. Some still are, though I’ve not been able to bring myself to answer Archer Sullivan’s, the team captain's, many texts. I feel as if I disappointed him the most.
Sighing, I stand and head to the kitchen to rummage for a snack.
A few minutes later, I’m plopping back on the couch. I flip through the options until I decide on Star Trek: The Original Series. My gaze flicks to my phone, and I can’t resist the urge any longer.
Picking it up, I open my browser to the Geeks Abound Messaging Board and click on the private chat with R&D4ever. Is it sad that the highlight of my days is chatting online with a stranger whose real name I don’t even know? Yeah, most likely.
Just to mess with her, I type out a message about how William Shatner is the best captain in Star Trek history. I have a feeling she will disagree. Mostly because she is always disagreeing with me. And for some reason, I find that invigorating.
R&D4ever
Are you kidding me? There is no way, NO WAY that you can think Shatner is the best captain. I mean, he’s great. Sure. But Captain Picard is LEGEND.
I smile before typing out my response.
What can I say? I’m a classics guy all the way.
R&D4ever
Can you hear my eyes rolling from here?
Depends. Where’s here at?
I swallow over my suddenly thick throat. Did I really just ask her where she lives?
R&D4ever
Like I’m telling you where I live.
Not a town. Just a state. I’ll go first. I’m in NC.
You?
R&D4ever
You’re serious?
Yes. *Joker, “Why so serious?” GIF*
R&D4ever
Wow. And you think that particular GIF is going to encourage me to tell you what state I live in? Also, *sad eye emoji* Heath Ledger was the best Joker.
Did you hear my cringe from NC? Heath Ledger was great. But not the best. RIP Heath.
R&D4ever
You are crazy. First, you’re hating on my man Picard and now you’re hating on Heath!? No way am I telling you what state I’m in.
Don’t you think Jack Nicholson made a better Joker?
R&D4ever
No. If you would have said Joaquin Phoenix, I would have conceded. He and Heath are on the same level of excellence.
Joaquin was great, better than Heath for sure. But not as LEGEND as Nicholson.
R&D4ever
You are so misguided.
So . . . going to tell me what state you’re in?
“Stupid,” I say into my empty apartment. I’ve never not been able to talk to a woman, and now I sound like some kind of unhinged stalker. I hurriedly type out an apology.
Okay, that came across way creepier than I intended.
Seriously, you don’t have to tell me. I just thought . . .
I wasn’t thinking. That’s what. Can I just bang my head through the wall? I am totally messing this up.
NVM. I’m an idiot. Just forget I asked. Can we still be friends?
Your silence is making me nervous
What if she stops talking to me? The thought sends me into a panic. I’ve reached a new level of pathetic that my closest friend is a woman I’ve never laid eyes on.
Forget this entire conversation. Picard is the best captain ever . . . of any show and Heath is 100% the best Joker in the universe. Of any timeline.
Rose will forever be the best companion and belongs with Ten forever.
I hold my breath for what feels like forever until, finally, she replies.
R&D4ever
I knew you’d come around to my side of things.
You had me scared there for a minute.
R&D4ever
Sorry, had a customer. At my work which I’m not telling you about.
It’s kind of crazy . . . I’m from NC too.
Seriously?
R&D4ever
As serious as a Dalek.
My lips tug up into a grin.
LOL That’s a good one.
I tap my fingers on my thigh for a few minutes. God, is this the right move? There’s no answer, but I inhale deeply and type out the next message, pressing send before I lose my nerve.
Are you close to Raleigh? If so . . . would you want to meet?
Dots appear, then disappear. Over and over. I sit rigid, my heart in my throat, and I realize I desperately want to meet this woman. But will she want to meet me?