Emory: I think.
Emory: Pretty sure.
He wouldn't be up for hours, but I felt like I needed to tell someone. Even if it sat there. This was the hardest book I'd ever written and also the best. I closed my laptop, glancing out the window. I should probably get some sun so I didn’t look like a vampire when I showed up in Spain.
My phone buzzed and I reached for it.
River: Does that mean you're coming?
Emory: Why aren't you sleeping?
River: Your text woke me up.
Emory: I'll book a ticket.
River: I already got you one.
A screenshot of an itinerary came through. I opened the photo and blew up the times.
Emory: That's tonight.
River: I had faith you'd finish.
Emory: Can you tell the future. Down to the hour.
River: You probably should pack.
Emory: No kidding.
I sat back and scrubbed a hand over my face.
Emory: I thought you had two more shows?
Emory: Here I was thinking I finished early.
River: You did, and I do. That doesn't mean you can't be here while your editor is working.
River: I miss you.
Emory: I miss you too.
Saying that was easier than I expected. I'd focused on us and my book while he'd been gone, keeping out of my mind what else he might be doing or who he might be seeing, but that one single text brought it all to the forefront of my mind.
Would I be able to tell if he'd fucked other people? What if he decided to use a condom? Would it be like a knife to my chest? Would this long time apart bring about our end because I'd been stupid enough to let him have freedom?
Emory: You should get some sleep, I bet you have a full day.
River: And I want to stay up late with you tomorrow.
I laughed.
Emory: I'm going to pack. I'll see you tomorrow.
River: I'll call you when I get up. Should be before you take off.
Emory: Okay.
River: Bring the dildo.