Page 19 of How You See Me
Me:That’s OK. I talk enough for two people anyway.
A snicker pops out of me, but quickly remind myself that he’s doing me a favor. I shouldn’t be poking the bear. The typing dots appear. Then vanish. Then come back.
My lungs stop taking in air as I wait for his response.
Hayes:Great.
Me:Is that sarcasm? I promise not to be annoying.
Hayes:I’m easily annoyed.
I laugh out loud. Wait—was that a joke? Or a warning?
Me:Best behavior. Scout’s honor.
Hayes:You were a Girl Scout?
Me:Ha. No. I was too easily distracted.
Hayes:Great.
Me:Is that your answer to everything?
Hayes:No.
Me:Just your second favorite answer behind “no”?
Hayes:I do like that one. You’ll probably hear it a lot.
Me:Doubt it. I’ll get you out of those grumpy pants soon enough.
Shocked by how that sounded, I go to erase it, accidentally hitting the SEND button instead.
No no no no.Shiitake.
My fingers work quickly to type a follow up.
Me:Ignore! That came out wrong.
Hayes:I like my pants. Probably best if I keep them on. Don’t you think?
Mortification dissolves into laughter, warm and fuzzy. It’s good to know he has a sense of humor buried beneath that crustiness. There’s hope for him yet.
Me:Agreed
Chapter 5
Hayes
It takes a few days to tie up loose ends on base—prepping the team, making plans for my absence, pretending I’m not preoccupied with the girl who’d soon take up my passenger seat.
Josie’s texts didn’t help. Flirty. Playful. Too damned charming for her own good. But they did provide a brief distraction.
Between work and packing, the anticipation of seeing Ava again and the quiet dread that always follows calls from home, Josie’s ridiculous messages gave me something else to think about. Something lighter and tangible. I didn’t realize how much I needed that until I caught myself smiling at the screen.
On Monday, I checked the biggest item off Ava’s list, tracking down a vintage Volkswagen van for the trip. That alone felt like a major mission. Apparently, VW campersfrom the 1970’s aren’t exactly scattered around like fast food chains. But after days of digging, I finally found one within range to not cause more delays—tangerine, of all colors, retrofitted with a kitchenette and, unfortunately, a full-sized bed that takes up most of the back.
But I’m not going anywhere near that thing so long as Josie’s around. She can have it. I’ll sleep on the roof if necessary to maintain my distance.
