Chapter 8 #2
“Better idea… you ask him to help you with the whole list!” Wren squeals like she just won the lottery, arms flailing and everything. “Oh my god. I’m a genius.”
I half listen to the master plan Wren makes about how I’m going to get Henry to check items off my Fuck It List with me. It sounds kinda… fun. I’ve enjoyed the few conversations we’ve had so far so it’s not like it’d be so bad. Plus, he’s cute so that’s a bonus.
But at the same time, is this actually a good idea or is the wine fueling my body telling me it’s a good idea?
After she insists her plan is fool proof, we end up watching The Challenge. We missed the newest episode earlier this week and opted for that instead of a movie like our original plan.
I didn’t realize how fast time was going until I saw that it’s already 10:51 PM. Shit. I should let my mom know I’m staying at Wren’s tonight because there’s no way I can or should drive home.
Plucking my phone from the couch cushion next to me, I notice there’s a text from an unknown number.
Henry
I texted myself off your phone so I had your number, but now I’m realizing that might’ve been an invasion of your privacy… So if you don’t reply and block me and tell everyone to run me out of town, I won’t blame you.
But if you’re so inclined to give me another chance, I will be on my best behavior from here on out.
This is Henry, by the way!
I don’t know why I said that since I saved my contact in your phone earlier so you know this is me.
We were just talking about him and now here he is. It’s funny how timing works. I laugh at the multiple texts sent to me because for someone so flirty, he sure seems self conscious over text.
Sorry this text could not be sent. The user has blocked this phone number and the towns folk will be at your door soon to run you out of Ruby Lake.
I’m not a joking person unless I’m comfortable with someone but messing with him right now is too good of an opportunity to miss. Plus, I’m a little tipsy still and that gives me even more confidence in my non-flirty ways.
“What are you smiling about over there?” Wren hops up and sits next to me, peering over my shoulder. “Is that who I think it is?” She screeches in my ear.
“Yes, but it’s nothing.”
“Nothing? It sure seems like something with the color of your cheeks right now.”
“That’s just the wine talking.” I wave her off.
“Yeah, right! Maisie has a little crush!”
“I barely know him,” I argue. “I’ve also only sent one text.” Ironically, my phone buzzes at that exact moment with another message.
Henry
I can hear them storming my driveway with pitch forks and fire as we speak. It was nice knowing you, I hope you live a life as beautiful as you are.
“Oh you’re totally going to fuck him.”
“Wren! I am not!”
“He called you beautiful! Screw the Fuck It List, he wants to fuck you!”
“You’re insufferable, do you know that?” I tease, taking my phone back from her grip.
“That’s why we’re friends! Now, how are we going to respond? Friendly? Sultry? Send nudes? What’s the vibe?” She’s practically vibrating out of her seat with excitement.
“Definitely not the latter.” I reopen the text, wondering how else to reply. Do I want to keep the conversation going? Am I just asking for attention knowing this can’t go anywhere?
Uh oh, I better warn the fire department. Last time this happened they weren’t very happy with me.
Henry
Last time?! You must have all the men in Ruby Lake falling at your feet… coming from a man in Ruby Lake begging to fall at your feet.
I roll my eyes with a smile as if he can see me. I can’t tell if this is just how he is or if it’s special toward me.
“What are you guys talking about? I’m having withdrawals!” Wren leans over my shoulder and I nudge her away, hiding my screen from her.
“Withdrawals? Of what? Men? You hate men.”
“I do not hate men. I just prefer women and I’m having flirting withdrawals,” she sighs. “I miss getting attention.”
“Here, have at it while I go to the bathroom.” I pin her with a look. “But don’t make me regret it.”
She beams with excitement as I hand over my phone. The second I get to the bathroom, I immediately regret the decision to allow a tipsy Wren have access to text Henry on my behalf—the same guy she has clearly stated she wants in my bed.
When I walk out of the bathroom, I see Wren giggling like a little girl and I’m scared to know what they’re talking about. Sneaking up behind her and peeking over her shoulder, I scream.
“Wren!” I snatch my phone from her as she’s about to press send on a text that says, “I can make your dreams come true.”
Haha, not exactly, but I do love a man begging for me.
Henry
Beg, I will. On my knees, all fours, I’ll bark like a dog if you need me to.
Henry IDon’tKnowYourLastName, are you allowing me drag you along with me this summer?
Henry
Dreams really do come true in Ruby Lake don’t they?
Also, my last name is Bellwood. It’s confusing but mine and Miles’ dad’s are brothers hence the same last names.
“Oh, come on! I was so close to getting you laid!” She pouts and crosses her arms. I want to slap that look right off her pretty little face.
“I don’t know how many times I have to tell you and my mom that I’m okay being single!
” I fall onto the couch, my hands covering my warm face.
Is it the alcohol in my system or is it the thoughts of Henry being someone I might be able to see myself with.
“The right person will come around when it’s time.
What if he’s not here for the long haul? ”
“But you’re still allowed to have fun… naked fun!” She wiggles her eyebrows suggestively.
“That’s what toys are for. I can have fun with me, myself, and I.”
“Imagine you, your toys, and Henry.” She snickers.
“I think the person who needs to get laid around here is the person looking back at you in the mirror.”
“You’re so right but unfortunately, all the interesting people live as far away from here as possible.” She sighs. “The women here just aren’t doing it for me.”
“Maybe we can just grow old and marry each other," I suggest.
“Sorry, you’re not my type.” She pats my head three times.
I laugh at her. “Yeah, yeah… you’re not into blondes.”
“Are you just going to keep this man begging for your attention or can you reply so I have something to be giddy over?”
Looking back at his message, I honestly have no idea what to say. I’m not good at flirting in the slightest and it’s scary to admit my attraction to him. It’s scary to admit feelings to anyone knowing in the back of my mind I’m always worried they’ll walk away.
Locking my phone and dropping it on my lap, I look to Wren. “How about we just—”
“Absolutely not, Maisie.” Wren stands and hovers over me, arms crossed.
“You were all mopey earlier about how you think you’re the same Maisie from high school.
This is that change you needed. Whether or not you’re friends or more, this is that sign for a little pizzazz in your life.
” Before I can even laugh at her for her TedTalk, she snatches my phone back from my hands and starts running.
“Wren!” I scream as I hop off the couch and chase her down. “Give that back!”
She’s running down the hall and next thing I know, she’s locking herself in the bathroom. “You’ll thank me when this is over!” she yells through the locked door.
Seconds too late, I’m standing in front of the bathroom banging on the door. “Wren Elizabeth! Open this door right now!”
“Just because you threaten me with my middle name, doesn’t mean I’m going to listen!” A muffled yell passes through the door and my knocking. I’m going to be here for a while.
I huff and put my back to the door and slide down until I’m sitting on the floor. “I can’t escape this reality, but please don’t do anything embarrassing."
I feel like I’ve been sitting by the door for hours before I finally hear the lock come loose and I fall backward as the door opens.
“Finally!”
“You’re welcome!” She giggles, handing me back my phone then stepping over me like she didn’t just hold my phone hostage.
“What did you say?” Standing up, I stomp back into the living room where Wren meets my eyes with a mischievous smile.
“I’m so happy you asked.”
“I didn’t a—”
“I asked Henry to help with the Fuck It List.” The smile on Wren’s face is devilish. “Now you don’t have to!”
“No.”
“Yes.”
“Wren, you didn’t.”
“Maisie, I absolutely did.” Her smile is still beaming. “I’m here to help you, which is why I kidnapped your phone.”
“Sober Wren is going to be really sad when she wakes up in the morning to her hair cut off.” I squeal but deep down I’m happy she’s pushing me to do this, not that I’d tell her that.
I need the change, I need the excitement.
I can’t just sit around letting life pass by and missing opportunities out of fear of being left behind.
She puts her hands on her hips and gives me a knowing look. “Maisie, we both know you would never do that. We both also know I’d be hot with a buzz cut.”
My phone vibrates in my hand and as much as I don’t want to see what Wren has conspired, I also want to know what Henry said.
Henry
Give me a time and place and I’ll be there.