Page 29 of Kiss Me if You Can
It really is him! My chest swells with relief, and tears fill my eyes as I hug my phone like it might get me closer to him. My phone buzzes with another message, and I wipe my eyes before looking down.
j4752mm: I know my timing is terrible. I’m not going to stop you from joining Emily, but I wanted to make sure you were okay after everything that happened.
I almost ask how he knows I’m going to Uganda, but then I remember who I’m talking to. He probably knows that I’m sitting in an airport terminal and wearing Crocs because they’re so comfortable for traveling. If my brother-in-law can track my phone to find me at a restaurant in the next state over, a reformed cyber criminal can look up my whereabouts. And my Instagram stories, I guess. I haven’t been shy about telling my followers my plans.
I type out a message but hesitate before sending it. Do I want to say what’s on my mind?
Me: I miss you.
Maybe that’s too forward, but I’ve been missing him for weeks. And having this screen between us is making me feel bold. Luckily, his next message fills me with warmth.
j4752mm: You have no idea how much I miss you, Isla Adams.
j4752mm: I tried to escape a couple of times to get to you, but Fields is too good at his job. He was convinced I would be axed as soon as I set foot outside even though I told him I would be fine. But I decided it’s too hard to be in love on the run, so I let him run the show so he wouldn’t try to arrest me or something. I want to be able to love you freely.
OH. Okay, so I’m not the only one who thinks what we had was love?Take that, Kailani!Wait, helovesme?
As if he can read me from across the country, Jake sends another message.
j4752mm: Yes, I love you, Isla. Desperately. I’ve had a hole in my chest since the moment they took me away from you, and I had a lot of time to think about you while I was under protection. I wanted you to know how I feel while you’re off changing lives. You know, in case you ever come back.
j4752mm: I would come with you if the feds didn’t tell me I would be branded a terrorist again if I try to leave the country. I’m inclined to do what they say for a while.
Me: I’ll be back in October.
Me: And I love you too Jake.
j4752mm: I’ll be here waiting.
Chapter Twelve
July 19
nomanisanisla: Mbale is amazing! Emily has been showing me around the city this week, and the people are so welcoming. So many of the women here are excited to start work immediately, and some of them are even going to help me with some designs while I’m here. There’s a little boy here who is obsessed with our office computer. He reminds me a lot of you, but I think he might be cuter than you. He told me he would marry me when he’s old enough, and I told him we would talk about it in fifteen years. He looked so excited! Don’t worry. You’re the only computer nerd for me. XOXO
* * *
July 20
j4752mm: I met a guy at a diner yesterday who looked like he had hit rock bottom. I looked him up, and apparently there was some big scandal with his company and his partner lost people millions of dollars. Poor guy. I was going to give him some money and carry on my way, but then I thought “what would Isla do?” I offered him my spare bedroom instead, and he looked at me like I was crazy. It’s probably because I’ve taken up knitting while I wait for you to come home. (It’s the only thing keeping me from making a fake passport and following you to Uganda.) I was wearing my first attempt at a shirt, and it looks terrible. But the guy said yes, so I’m going to have a new roommate in a few days. He’s so uptight that I’m going to need to find a way to get under his skin and help him breathe. Good thing someone taught me how to do that. I love you. I miss you. Please don’t fall in love with any nerds unless they’re me.
* * *
July 28
nomanisanisla: We invited a bunch of kids over for a movie night last night, and you’ll never guess what movie Rhys put on for them.
nomanisanisla: Okay, you can probably guess. It’s one you’ve seen.
nomanisanisla: No guesses?
nomanisanisla: I forgot about the time difference again. I hope you’re sleeping right now!
j4752mm: Back to the Future.
nomanisanisla: Why are you awake?
j4752mm: Because you messaged me.
