Round Forty-Three
OLLIE
Hey. I was walking to work, but Cliff drove by and picked me up. Said he was out this way for an inspection. Almost at the office now.
Sidenote. Cliff’s nostrils grow wider when he’s lying. So the inspection thing was entirely fabricated and an excuse to not let me walk alone.
I suspect you knew about—and were possibly involved in—this not-so-covert scheme. But he’s being so sweet and innocent about it, I don’t have the heart to burst his chivalrous bubble and call him out for being a sneaky liar.
8:47
Also, not to be that person, since the day is just starting, but I already miss you. A lot. Only nine hours to go until you finish your shift.
ME - 9:02am
Eight hours, fifty-seven minutes, and thirty-seven seconds. But who’s counting?
9:02am
No comment on the lies Cliff tells. That’s between him and you.
9:03am
Eight hours, fifty-six minutes, and thirteen seconds. Have you heard anything from Billy today?
ROSE - 9:04am
No. And I get anxious every single time my phone beeps. I really, really, really don’t want him to call today. I just wish Cliff’s weird feeling would go away and for everything to be normal again. It’s not so much to ask.
No. It’s fucking not. She’s already been through so much. Already survived some of the worst shit others will never face, and she’s done it bravely and amazingly, often emotional, but never complaining.
ME - 9:05am
I’ll keep you updated if he calls me. But I’ve got my fingers crossed Cliff is just on his period, and this was a weird hormonal spike.
ROSE - 9:06am
Ha! Fingers crossed. We’re pulling up at the office now, so I’ll let you get back to work. Be safe. Don’t fall in love with any beautiful women Barbara might run down today.
ME - 9:07am
There’s only one beautiful victim of Barbara’s I wanna keep. I toss the rest to Dawes. Love you, Rosaline. See you in eight hours, fifty-two minutes, and twenty-three seconds.
Not that I’m toxically attached or anything.
That would be weird. And toxic.
ROSE - 9:08am
Exactly how I like you.