Page 53 of The Risks of Reuniting

CHLOE

Sat, May 24

Dearest lunatics,

You've all gone stark raving mad in my absence. I do not understand this, as I am the baby of the family, and a child in this dynamic.

I am fine. Truly. Plus, I will be home in one week. Do not buy a ticket to come down here. I am taking a picture of myself to show that I'm alive and in one piece. Yes, Grandma Sue, I know you've been watching a lot of Dateline, so I will make sure to include a dated item – although I'm not sure you'll believe it's unaltered. Stop with the conspiracy theories, you still have more to live for. Maybe a nice walking group to help you see the sunlight more often.

Today I did construction with the crew who works on improving housing. It was hard work, and I'm terrible with a hammer and nail. I'd apologize to Dad for this, but he never allowed me near a hammer because none of us know what we're doing. You guys owe the people of Lifting Hope about $50 in nails to replace what I wasted. I wore sunscreen, and stayed hydrated, and really had the best time. If the dental hygiene thing doesn't work out . . . well, I can't actually do construction work, but I'd be great as a pep rally person on the sites.

I'm kidding – do not send money. I repeat – you do not actually owe them any money.

Last night one of my friends filled up a few big laundry tubs with water and we sat in them under the clouds. It was probably the best spa experience I've ever had. No one walked on my back or pulled too hard at my toes, or cut my toenails down so low they were destined to become ingrown. I ended up falling asleep in the tub and when I woke up I felt really at peace.

No,the water hadn't been boiled. Yes, I made sure to take a shower afterwards so I don't get giardia. Let me enjoy my stuff without worrying about medical issues.

Today we're going shopping at a local Inka Market. I'm excited to check out the goods. The people here make things in the most beautiful colors, and I'm inspired by that. It will be fun to have a break from the Center and see more of Lima. Although it's bittersweet, because we only have a week left and I feel like I could stay longer. The people here need me, and it's nice to be needed.

Gavin – if you don't reply to one of these emails soon I will tell Mom your door code and send her to your place looking for you.

Mom – of course I know his door code. Not sorry for hiding it from you, but he's a grown man and I'm not letting you do his house cleaning and buy him groceries. It's ridiculous.

Dad – Do not mow my lawn this week. And if you insist on rolling out our garbages, please at least put them in the proper place. We were fined by the HOA – your nemesis – for improper can placement. I can't afford much more of your help.

Much love,

Chloe

Is now the time to tell them about Holt?

Chapter 20

Holt

I'mswimmingindejavu this morning as I get dressed and ready to go pick up Chloe. It was just over two years ago when I wandered into the library at the U, snagged an empty seat at a random table, and looked up to see the face that changed everything. It hadn't been easy to get her to agree to a date, and I was sure she'd cancel on me. I'm carrying that same sense of nerves and possibility with me this morning – but it's even more charged this time because I know exactly what I'll be missing if she bows out. Last time I was a stranger, this time there's history. I've done life both with and without Chloe Moore, and I much preferwith.

"Cesar, you ready?" I ask the smaller man who's sitting on his twin bed behind me, putting on his shoes. "It's time."

He scoffs, seeing right through me. "Yes, Señor," he teases. "I will not make you late for your woman."

I toss a look over my shoulder. "Be cool today, man. My nerves are shot."

I normally don't worry too much about my clothing and the weather, and I figure life has a way of working out. But this morning I stared at my row of hanging shirts like my entire future depended on picking the right one. The dumb part is that one, Chloe has already seen them all because I only brought a few, and two, none of them are impressing anyone. The weather is how the weather always is – hazy with humidity and warmish.I look at the jeans I pulled on and wish I'd washed them last night, even if it would have meant sacrificing sleep.

Cesar's voice interrupts me glaring at my pants. "Someone shot you?"

I laugh and look up at him. "It's an expression."

I translate it in Spanish, and he smirks. "Women never make it easy."

Truer words have never been spoken. "Would we want it easy, though?" I tease back.

He laughs and stands, swiping his hands down his thighs to smooth his wrinkled cotton pants. "No, amigo. It is more fun this way."

We don't have a mirror in our room, so I cross the yard to the small bathing room that's on our side of the compound. I'm not risking looking as flustered as I feel. I wet my fingers and tame my hair and smooth out my short beard – which really does not require smoothing – and wonder if I should shave off the part that's grown down my neck a bit. Does Chloe like neck beard? Or does she hate neck beard? I rub at the beard on my neck and smile a few times to make sure no breakfast got left in my teeth. I search for eye boogies, and nose hairs, and any new moles on my neck that might be off-putting, and as I'm tugging my shirt to search for spills, Cesar enters the bathroom.

---