Page 110 of Rebound
Every day, he sends me a picture of the cats being absolute derps. Salem with his tongue hanging out, Buffy with her legs akimbo, and Sabrina is always a blur, like she’s always in a rush to get somewhere.
I can’t remember ever having a partner who knows me this well. Which leads me to realize—as pathetic as it sounds—that I’ve never had a true partner.
I’ve only had men I’ve been in relationships with. Roman doesn’t know how much it means to me, getting these little glimpses of his life and showing him glimpses of mine.
I pause the video I’m recording and take my phone out of the holder it’s in.
Roman
Did you know there’s a Christmas party the team throws every year?
Lavinia
Of course, I figured you knew.
Roman: It’s tomorrow night.
Lavinia
I know. You didn’t mention it, so I figured you didn’t want to go even though I think it’s a great way to connect with the team. I was trying not to be pushy.
Roman
You have to be a little pushy, Vin. Socializing isn’t my first instinct.
Lavinia
Is this your way of asking me on a date?
I leave my room in time to see Jules opening the front door and accepting a giant bouquet. It looks incredibly heavy and Jules sways under its weight. I take it from her, carefully setting it on the kitchen island. The crystal vase is full of beautiful pink flowers of varying gradients and in various stages of bloom, their scent filling the apartment.
“I’m assuming this is the work of your husband?”
I remove the card and turn it over.
Congratulations on reaching four million followers. I’m so proud of you. -R
P.S. Will you go to the Titans Christmas party with me?
I laugh at the card and take a quick picture of it in my hand with the bouquet in the background.
“Isn’t the Christmas party tomorrow?” Jules asks. “Do you have a dress to wear?”
“I didn’t even think of that!”
All my gowns are exclusively black because it’s a safe choice and you can never go wrong with black. I don’t want to play it safe for the Titans Christmas party.
“We’ll have to go shopping. Do you have time?” She has another deadline coming up soon and she’s easily distracted so she’s already running behind.
“I’m always up for shopping. The serotonin is unmatched,” Jules says. “I’m going to change.”
I text Roman the photo as I walk to my room to change as well.
Lavinia
Thank you for the flowers. They remind me of ones my dad gets my mom for their anniversary every year.
Roman
