Page 16 of Score on You

Ridge:did I shock you into silence with that? hope it wasn’t too much

Ridge:sweetness?

Ridge:callie. gonna need a reply soon

My jaw hangs slack. “He sent me five consecutive messages. That’s a big deal, right?”

But Harper is gone, and I’m talking to an empty room. That gives me the freedom to return his messages without being rude. Not that her presence would stop me.

Me:Apologies for the delay. Harper just left. I’m glad you’ll text me every morning. That sounds like a lovely start to each day.

I assume his response will take a few minutes. When my phone pings within seconds, my breath catches.

Ridge:what’s wrong?

Me:With what? I’m very happy in this house. Didn’t I tell you that?

Ridge:you’re not giving me all of your words like usual

Me:That doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong. I’m trying to keep my messages short.

Ridge:why?

Me:Harper told me I should be more concise.

Ridge:didn’t I tell you the opposite?

I scroll through our previous messages to recall what he actually said.

Me:You told me not to hold back. That you want to hear the good and the bad. Whatever is running through my mind.

Ridge:sounds like the opposite of concise to me. lay it all on me, sweetness. our conversations are the best part of my day

Nerves bubble to the surface as I consider where to begin. The possibilities are endless. I can’t ask him on a date. That feels too personal and inappropriate. It would be nice to become better acquainted. I suppose asking questions is the easiest option to accomplish that. My phone dings while the freedom to choose continues tripping through me.

Ridge:did I lose you again?

Me:No, I’m here. I’m just thinking about what to say.

Ridge:that didn’t seem like a problem before

Me:Okay, I’ll just write everything that decides to flood forward. It just felt like too much pressure suddenly. Like I was put on the spot. Does that make sense? Then I froze and didn’t say anything, which led to you believing I was ignoring you. Again. Although, to be fair, I wasn’t really ignoring you before. Not on purpose. Harper and I were talking about something kind of serious, at least for me. The topic distracted me to the point that I didn’t see you had sent so many messages. It wasn’t my intention to make you worry or wonder why I’m not responding. Not that I’m assuming you were worried. That’s something I would do if you stopped replying to me. Worry, I mean. You’ve probably figured that out about me. I’d like to know more about you, if that’s all right. Can I ask you questions?

I sigh as my message is sent. It feels as if a weight as been lifted off my chest. Maybe I should follow Ridge’s advice and allow my words to flow freely. At least when I message him. He seems to prefer my lengthy responses. A text arrives to mark that assumption as fact.

Ridge:there we go. that’s much better. I like it when you let go and speak your mind. that includes asking me anything

Me:Thanks for embracing my rambling. Your support means a lot to me. I’m still adjusting to this way of life. You’re already helping me. In more ways than one. There’s usually a desperate urgency inside of me that’s clawing to escape. Maybe that’s why I write so much. It just pours out. All right, now for a question. Do you like animals?

Ridge:first, knowing that I’m helping you does crazy things to me. I enjoy seeing that spelled out in your words. a lot. I appreciate you telling me. maybe one day you’ll share where this urgency comes from. second, I love animals. who doesn’t?

Me:I’m glad you enjoy my words. There are plenty of people I used to know who didn’t like animals. Where I grew up is very differentfrom here. My voice wasn’t heard, if that makes sense. I think that’s why I have this sudden urgency to speak when there’s a chance.

Ridge:your voice will always be heard by me. that’s a promise

Me:This might be too trusting of me, but I believe you. I can tell you’re different from the rest. Maybe one day you’ll explain what these crazy things are that you’re referring to.

Ridge:I’d rather show you, sweetness. when you’re ready

---