Chapter Three
Gabe
Just landed
Aubrey liked a message.
Aubrey
How’s the altitude? Dizzy yet?
Gabe
No, but I could put it to the test. Maybe go for a run, hit the booze?
Aubrey
Definitely the run. If you end up puking, you don’t want to waste all that good Colorado beer.
Gabe
See, these are the important considerations I count on you for
Aubrey
You’re welcome
Friday, Jan 12 · 6:31 p.m.
Gabe
Noah’s completely in his element. He’s going to crush this selection
Aubrey
Woo-hoo! He’s doing well so far?
Gabe
The best I’ve seen him
Aubrey
I’m wishing him luck
Thursday, Jan 18 · 4:12 p.m.
Aubrey
Welp, I’m 0 for 4 on sous chef interviews. I didn’t think it’d be so hard to find someone.
Gabe
The ones you met with didn’t have enough experience?
Aubrey
Some did on paper, but they weren’t good fits.
Gabe
You’ll find the right one
Sunday, Jan 28 · 8:28 p.m.
Gabe
Went with Noah and his parents today to see some sculptures his mom heard about. They reminded me of your tattoos
[Image 1]
[Image 2]
Aubrey
Ooh, pretty! I should get Evan to design me something like the bird in the first pic
Gabe
That one was my favorite
Aubrey
I have a space on my back where it might look cool. Or maybe my thigh.
Gabe
What’d you do today? Another event?
Aubrey
Not today. Catered a rehearsal dinner yesterday, so today was cleanup and getting ready for a few consultations next week.
Now I’m watching Nana’s favorite movie in honor of her birthday.
Gabe loved a message.
Gabe
Which movie?
Aubrey
A true Christmas classic
Gabe
It’s a Wonderful Life?
Aubrey
Close. Die Hard
Gabe
Are you serious?
Aubrey
Swear to God
Gabe
Your grandma’s favorite movie was Die Hard?
Aubrey
She had good taste.
Gabe
Apparently. I wish I’d hung out with her more. Think she would have watched boxing with me?
Aubrey
Strong, shirtless men punching each other and getting all sweaty for entertainment? It wouldn’t have been a hard sell.
Gabe
Is that all I am to you? A strong, shirtless man?
Aubrey
Of course not
You give good TV suggestions too. Ted Lasso was *chef’s kiss*
Gabe
I see how it is
Better go find another show to recommend since that’s all I’m good for
Although you still haven’t taken my word on The Bear
Aubrey
I believe it’s good! I’d just rather not watch a show that’ll shove the most stressful parts of restaurant life in my face.
Gabe
Fair enough
I guess if I want to honor your nana, I’m left with taking strong, shirtless selfies
Aubrey
I’m sure her spirit wouldn’t complain.
Gabe
I’ll wait till I’m in the gym with Noah so I can be nice and sweaty too
Aubrey
Very considerate of you
Monday, Jan 29 · 2:07 p.m.
Gabe
[Image]
For Nana
Aubrey liked an image.
Aubrey
She would have loved it.
Gabe
As much as Die Hard?
Aubrey
Too close to say
Thursday, Feb 1 · 5:49 p.m.
Aubrey
I have 2 chef interviews lined up this week! Fingers crossed one of them is a fit.
Gabe
It’s gonna happen. I can feel it
Tuesday, Feb 6 · 12:33 p.m.
Gabe
How’d the interviews go?
Aubrey
0 for 7
Gabe
Shit. Sorry
Aubrey
It is what it is. Dani’s birthday’s tomorrow, so a group of us are going out to dinner, which should be a fun distraction.
Gabe
She was at Thanksgiving at my dad’s house this year, right?
Aubrey
Yeah, Jase’s girlfriend.
Gabe
Have fun
Aubrey
Thanks. If I was still working at the restaurant, I wouldn’t be able to go, so that’s a plus side to catering.
Gabe
Who else is going?
Aubrey
A few of Dani’s friends she works with and Neela from the restaurant. It’ll be a girls’ night since Jase is working.
Gabe
How many of those have you had?
Aubrey
Ha, none. My wardrobe’s excited to see some action.
Gabe
Do I get to see the outfit?
Aubrey
Depends on whether I need help picking out shoes.
Gabe
I think you should run it by me either way, just to be sure. For completely selfless reasons.
Aubrey
Hmm. Maybe if you ask nicely.
Gabe
I’ll say please as many times as you want
Wednesday, Feb 7 · 6:42 p.m.
Aubrey
What do you think?
[Image]
Gabe
Yes
Aubrey
So it meets your discerning fashion standards?
Gabe
If by fashion standards, you mean I think you look incredible, then yes
Do me a favor?
Aubrey
Sure
Gabe
Let me know when you get home?
Aubrey
Will do
Thursday, Feb 8 · 1:04 AM
Aubrey
Home
Gabe loved a message.
Gabe
Did you have fun?
Aubrey
Yeah Dani has cool friends.
I’m tired, though. I hardly stay up this late anymore.
Gabe
Go get some sleep
Aubrey
On my way. Noah still doing well?
Gabe
He’s been on fire. No way he doesn’t make the team
Aubrey
Good. I’ll keep sending him luck.
Good night
Gabe
Night
Saturday, Feb 10 · 5:06 p.m.
Aubrey
Note to self, never announce I’m pregnant at a friend’s bridal shower.
Gabe
Lmao no way. Who did that?
Aubrey
A bridesmaid at the bridal shower I catered today. She gave a surprise “toast” to tell everyone she’s pregnant. The bride looked like her head was going to explode.
Gabe
Why would the bridesmaid think that was a good idea?
Aubrey
Right?? I don’t even think she was related to the bride, so it’s not like it was her family there. Everyone looked so confused, and the bride stormed out. It was wild.
Gabe
I feel like we could find a way to get Evan to storm out of his own wedding shower if we tried hard enough
Aubrey
Not if he sticks to his “never getting married” plan.
Gabe
Since when is that his plan?
Aubrey
Idk, some point in the past few years. He says he’d rather be a professional wedding guest than a groom.
Gabe
Oh
How’s my dad doing?
Aubrey
He seems good. Well, aside from the Eagles not making the Super Bowl.
Gabe
An understandable tragedy
He’s thinner than he was
Aubrey
Yeah. If it helps, he’s been pretty steady at his current weight for about a year.
Gabe
You’ve been tracking it?
Aubrey
Evan has. He got a scale that connects to an app so he can track it on his phone. He was worried too.
Gabe
Oh. Good
Aubrey
You know, you can ask me how Evan is doing too if you want.
9:34 p.m.
Gabe
How is he?
Aubrey
Evan?
Gabe
Yeah
Aubrey
He’s okay.
Gabe
Still pissed at me, I take it
Aubrey
He won’t talk about it, so it’s a safe bet.
Have you tried texting him?
Gabe
A couple weeks ago. No response
Aubrey
Give him time.
Gabe
Yeah
Saturday, Feb 17 · 5:38 p.m.
Gabe
Guess who’s officially going to the Summer Olympics
Aubrey loved a message.
Aubrey
Woo-hoo!
[Celebration GIF]
How does it feel?
Gabe
I don’t even know. I’m so proud
The really fucked-up thing is I think I’m a little envious too
Aubrey
Makes sense you would be. It’s okay to miss it.
Gabe
I know. It’s just not always this bad
Aubrey
Thursday, Feb 22 · 12:57 p.m.
Aubrey
0 for 10
Gabe
Wednesday, Feb 28 · 9:22 p.m.
Aubrey
This bar has a beer from Colorado Springs.
[Image]
Gabe
Which bar?
Aubrey
Blue Amber. Dani’s friend Kelly picked it.
Gabe
Another girls’ night?
Aubrey
Sort of
I probably won’t stay much longer.
Gabe
Why? Something happen?
Aubrey
No, it’s nothing. Just tired
Gabe
You sure?
Aubrey
Yeah. Promise
Gabe
Text me when you get home?
Aubrey
Yeah
Wednesday, Feb 28 · 10:11 p.m.
Aubrey
Home
Gabe liked a message.
Gabe
How was the rest of your night?
Aubrey
It was fine. Kind of a bust, but that’s probably for the best.
Gabe
Want to talk about it?
Aubrey
I’m good. Just gonna go to bed.
Gabe
Let me know if you change your mind
Aubrey
I will. Thanks
Gabe
Any time