Page 105 of The Thorne at My Side
DCFox:Do you think it's possible to form an emotional attachment to an object? I ask because there is one pillow on my sofa that for some reason calls to me in a way no other pillow ever has. I get jealous when someone else cuddles it or stuffs it behind their back. I get especially angry when someone throws it on the floor.
"Are you just lying to her to try to get her answer?" Felix asks as he reads over my shoulder.
"No, I have a pillow I feel this way about."
"Which one? No wait, let meguess, the green one?"
"No," I respond in a way that probably tips him off that he's correct.
Felix laughs as he pulls the meal prepped food from the fridge. He has a chef come in once a week to put everything together for him so he doesn't have to worry about what to eat every day.
The phone pings and he abandons the stir fry on the stove. "What did she say?!"
CHAPTER 32
No Takesy-Backsies
MAGGIE
TalkShopGirl:I imagine it is possible, although, I have to admit I don't share your devotion to your throw pillow. I have a preferred bed pillow I guess. But for the most part, I see my things for the purpose they serve. There are a few mementoes around my apartment, pictures mostly, but I've never been one for collecting things.
I've heard of people collecting key chains or snow globes everywhere they travel but for me a picture does it. As soon as I see an image, I'm thrown back into the memory.
I sit back against my headboard and look out the window. It’s a rainy night and I'm glad to be home and snuggled under the covers.
Things have felt different these last few weeks. First, the messages from DCFox have been frequent. And light hearted. I mean, emotional attachments to pillows? C'mon. But, then there's also Austin asking to be my friend. Him showing up and being endearing and looking delicious. It feels different, new, and it feels good.
There is a lot of history between us but we've only known each other for six months. We've managed to cram in a lot of drama in that time.
The Austin of this past week has been different. He's been goofy. He's been immature. Like the serious and pulled together version of him from last fall was work-hard Austin and this is the play-hard version.
I don't know what to make of it. I feel like I did right before the election where I had to choose between DCFox and Austin. Not that Austin wanted to date me back then but now that he's my friend I guess it feels like we could possibly move from friendship to something more. I know we’re good at the sex part of something more.
But still that leaves me wondering what to do with DCFox.
I snuggle in and reply to students. I told them I’d be willing to talk about career paths and planning for their early careers. I was surprised at how many kids reached out asking for guidance. I’m also surprised by how much I enjoy working with them. I might not have the famous kind of notoriety but I can tell I’m making an impact on their lives.
At the top of the screen a text notification comes up.
I click over to my messages and see one from Austin.
AUSTIN:Can I walk with you to campus tomorrow, friend?
I snuff out a laugh because "friend" feels like an inside joke.
MAGGIE:Sure, friend, I leave at 8:15.
AUSTIN:It's a date, friend.
???
At 8:15 there's a knock on my door. He's right on time, as usual.
"Good morn-" I'm cut off as I open the door fully. In front of Austin's face is a Saks Fifth Avenue shopping bag. "What's that?" I ask.
Austin lowers the bag and seeing his face is like dunking my head in ice water. It's a shock and refreshing all at once.
"Open it and find out," he says as he steps into my apartment.
