Page 63 of Resilient Love

“You good to talk until we both fall asleep?” I ask.

“That sounds nice,” she says, and there’s a smile in her voice.

“Good, because I missed you. I know it’s only been a few hours, but I did, and I figured you should know.”Boludo, that feels strange to admit, like my heart is a puppet with Elise tugging on the strings.

“I missed you too,” she whispers. “And Rafa?”

“Yes, baby?”

“Thanks for telling me,” she says, her voice growing faint.

“You sure you can’t fall asleep?” I ask, and she grunts.

“I might be able to now,” she finally says.

We stay on the line, neither of us hanging up, and when I wake up a few hours later, Elise is snoring through the line, a sound that mimics Mrs. Purrito’s contended purr.

My heart aches, and as unfamiliar as this is for me, I think it’s going to be good.For the both of us.

CHAPTER FORTY-SIX

THURSDAY, MAY 22

Sunny D

Pack a bathing suit, and an overnight bag.

It’s not even an away game, why would I pack an overnight bag? I already have my stuff at your place.

Sunny D

Don’t ask questions, please just do as I say.

For once.

Fine, but I have to be home by Sunday.

Sunny D

Done. Now hurry up.

First you boss me around and stop me from getting out of my house and now you want me to hurry up? Can’t have it both ways, mister.

Sunny D

I can and I will. Hurry. Up. Elise.

Give me one good reason.

A photo starts downloading almost immediately,

and when it loads, it’s not what I’m expecting, but I love it all the same.

Rafael’s full lips are open in a perfect “o”, with his tongue hanging out and saliva dripping off of the tip. His facial hair is a little longer than a five-o’clock shadow, and I can already picture it rubbing over my sensitive skin.

Ope. Be there soon!

Sunny D

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