Page 70 of Text Me Baby One More Time

She opens her mouth but snaps it closed again just as quickly, shaking her head. Her lips tuck inward, like she’s trying to keep them from moving on their own.

“Out with it,” I demand.

“I-I…I…”

“Montana Andrews, tell me right now.”

“Fine.” She holds her hand up. “Fine. It’s just that…is the interview worth the potential heartbreak?”

Is the promotion going to make things easier for me in my field? Yes. Is it going to give me a few extra bucks a month to squirrel away for my student loans? Hell fucking yes. Are the games I have to play with Shep in order to get it worth all that?

“I don’t know, but I’m willing to find out.”

She nods, her lips still pressed tightly together. “Just be careful, Denny.”

I grin at her. “Where’s the fun in that?”

Fifteen

Six years ago, December

Denver:You didn’t.

Denver:PLEASE tell me you didn’t!

Shepard:I don’t know what I didn’t do, but if you say I didn’t do it, I definitely didn’t do it.

Shepard:God, that was confusing.

Shepard:What are you going on about?

Denver:I got my Christmas present today. There are HOLES in the box.

Shepard:IT IS NOT CHRISTMAS, YOU HEATHEN! Last I checked Christmas was celebrated December 25th, and it is most definitely only December 23rd.

Denver:If you think I’m waiting TWO WHOLE days to open this, you’re clearly on drugs.

Shepard:Cocaine. It’s the rich man’s drug.

Denver:I’M OPENING IT!

Shepard:SPOILER ALERT: it’s not a puppy. I just put the holes in there to be funny and confuse you.

Denver:WAY TO RUIN THE SURPRISE!

Shepard:I got my gift too, but I’ve been waiting to open it like the goddamn gentleman I am. Does this mean I get to open it?

Denver:I’m 9% certain you’re not allowed to say “goddamn” when referring to a Christmas present.

Shepard:Only 9%?

Denver:Ugh. I meant 97%. OBVIOUSLY.

Shepard:Of course. How could I not know that?

Denver:On the count of three, let’s both open them.

Shepard:Too late.

---