Chapter 11
April
The second the bathroom door clicks shut and the water starts running, I launch myself onto the bed and grab my phone.
ME
HE’S SINGLE
I REPEAT
MAX. IS. SINGLE.
JUNE
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
OMG OMG OMG
MAY
THE ROADTRIP GODS HAVE SPOKEN
ME
I asked
I was awkward
I didn’t die
and he’s not married
or dating
or secret-family-ing
MAY
okay but now what???
JUNE
do you think he’s into you tho???
did he like, pause meaningfully?
did his voice get all low??
ME
he didn’t blink
like, he looked straight at me and just said “no”
then adde.
“no one is waiting for me to come home”
WHO SAYS THAT???
MY BONES MELTED
MAY
okay, we need a strategy.
JUNE
don’t pounce, play it cool.
MAY
give him space to make a move
but be available for the move
JUNE
aka: soft pajamas
casual hair
fresh skin
no pressure, just effortless beauty
MAY
yes. subtl.
“I’m not trying, but I look amazing” energy
ME
too late. already out here in an oversized t-shirt I’ve had since high school
I look like a sentimental cloud
JUNE
men LOVE sentimental clouds
MAY
okay. logistics.
1- no snoring
2- light perfume doesn’t hurt
3- eye contact. Lots of it.
4- wake up before him, brush your hair, re-fluff your vibe
ME
you’re insane
and I love you
JUNE
just remember
he’s in the next bed
so if things get flirty
keep the giggles under control
MAY
and don’t do anything we wouldn’t do
JUNE
that list is very short
I laugh into my pillow, feeling weirdly high on endorphins and steam from Max’s shower.
He’s single.
He’s not secretly married. Not engaged. Not waiting on anyone. And he’s smart and calm and generous and funny in that quiet, devastating way that sneaks up on you. Now he’s in the shower while I’m texting my sisters like a preteen who just got noticed at recess.
I drop the phone on my chest and stare up at the ceiling.
Okay. Cool. No big deal.
Just a simple road trip with a man I’m starting to actually like.
And one room, two beds, no rules, just possibilities.