Chapter 26
From the texts of Ben & Melody
Melody: Good morning. That does sound like an awfully long day. I hope it went well?
Ben: The actual photo shoot went well, yes. Thank you. The rest? Less so.
Melody: What do you mean?
Ben: At the organizer’s request, I put my cellphone in a locked drawer at the start of the day and left it there throughout the shoot.
Unfortunately, bonehead here forgot to collect the phone after we wrapped up.
I was only just able to get it, which is why I’ve been incommunicado for the past 24 hours.
Melody: . . .
Ben: I know it’s standard practice to wait at least 24 hours after a date to get in touch, but it wasn’t my intention to do that to you since I think that practice is dumb. Any rule book that leaves people hanging should be tossed out the window. In my opinion.
Melody: I’m glad.
Ben: Did I make you worry?
Melody: Honestly? Your lack of communication did throw me, yes.
Ben: I can’t wait to see you again. I’m sorry if I left you questioning that.
Melody: I’m looking forward to seeing you, too. *blushing emoji
Ben: I’m glad we’re on the same page.
Melody: Me, too. <3
Ben: So, what does your day look like? Is there any way I might entice you to spend some more time with me today?
Melody: I think that could be arranged. I’m just finishing up breakfast with my dad, but I should be free in an hour or so.
Ben: Do you think you might be interested in joining me and some of the guys for an escape room?
For full disclosure, we’ll be accompanied by some of the youth from the team’s Learn to Skate outreach program.
I’d love to spend some more one-on-one time with you, but my schedule is crazy again this week and I don’t want to miss the opportunity to see you if you might be interested.
Melody: That sounds fun. I’ve never done an escape room before. Are you sure it would be okay for me to crash a team event, though?
Ben: Interesting you should ask. I woke up this morning to an email from our all-knowing PR manager informing me that there was an extra spot in our reservation if I wanted to bring a plus-one.
Melody: Of course she did. I shouldn’t even be surprised. Shawna is practically omnipotent.
Ben: A fact for which I find myself feeling most grateful this morning.
Melody: Me, too. *blushing emoji
Ben: So, you’ll come with me?
Melody: I will. It should be fun.
Ben: I’ll pick you up at your place in a few hours?
Melody: Sounds perfect. See you then.
Ben: See you then, beautiful.