Page 3 of Don't Go Faking My Heart

“Ash, you got this. Don’t let him get into your head. You are smart and prepared and you know this stuff backward and forward.”

I nod, but my thumbnail starts scanning my other nails for snags. “You’re right. It’s gonna be fine.” I smile. “I got this.”

“That’s my girl.”

My watch dings with a reminder.

"One sec," I say. I dart into the kitchen and grab a pill bottle from the medicine cabinet. I take my ADHD medication and a couple of supplements my psychiatrist recommended when I got my diagnosis.

I live by reminders and timers. Medication is life-changing, but it’s not a perfect cure-all. My old therapist helped me create a system that makes it all easier. She also helped me understand that I have a tendency to blur the lines between my diagnosis and my personality. Hyperfocus, distraction, and a need for stimulation are symptoms of my ADHD. Having awesome hair, nerdy interests, and being a quirky delight is all me.

My phone buzzes again.

RUSTY

I lied. I wasn't on my way, but I am now. Let's pretend that was a 5 minute warning. Did it work?

And then, for no reason at all, he sends a GIF of Steve Carrell dressed as Brick from Anchorman eating a banana.

I laugh, because it's the perfect text and GIF. Rusty gets me better than pretty much anyone, and this text is his way of acknowledging how much I hate being early. Yet, he doesn't come across as judgmental or pushy. Waiting makes me feel like my skin is crawling. Rusty, on the other hand, likes waiting. He finds it calming. So he knows whatever time he gives me, I'll be late, and he'll be fine.

He's the perfect friend for me.

ASH

What am I, a dog? No it didn't work. I don't come on command.

Neither does my actual dog. Prairie needs someone to train her.

Not it!

*gif of sad dog howling*

JK. I love your dog. Also, her name is Pookie.

PRAIRIE wishes she belonged to you. She vastly prefers you to me.

No creature could prefer me to you. You're the literal sweetest.

:) I'm on my way.

Wait, are you driving? Do not drive and text!

No. Mrs. Beaty and Lola Nina are parked in the intersection fighting about something that happened at canasta.

Yikes. My money's on Mrs. Beaty.

Are you joking? Lola Nina is terrifying.

Lola Nina? Tia's cute little grandmother?

Yes. She may be a sweet granny now, but you should have seen her when I was in high school. She threatened to tan my hide more times than I can count.

That sounds dirty.

It's not dirty. But believe me, you haven't been threatened until you've been threatened in Tagalog.

What did she threaten you about?

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