Page 15 of Hail Marry
I’m quiet because I don’t know how to answer that. I chose communications as a major in college because it was the only one that sounded half-interesting when I went to an orientation meeting freshman year. It seemed like it was what the fun people were doing. I assumed I’d become some big marketing guru, but I don’t even know that I want that.
That was always Ryan’s issue—me jumping from one thing to another.
My phone lights up with a text.
Unknown
Hey, it’s Luca from the hospital. Or Crusher. Whatever you wanna call me. You left your purse in my car. I can drop it off later if you send me your address.
“Luca?” Jess says, looking over my shoulder. “Thehospital?”
I turn off my screen. “You’re so nosy.”
She cocks a brow. “I did three budget reports for Bob yesterday afternoon, I’ll have you know.”
I show a smile of clenched teeth. Budget reports are our absolute least favorite task, and Bob is my boss, not hers. “Okay, fine. Luca’s the one who kind of…saved my life or whatever. But then he insisted on taking me to the hospital to get checked out even though I was perfectly fine. Stop looking at me like that.”
She doesn’t stop. Her brows are sky-high. “I thought you just barely missed being hit. I didn’t know anyone else was involved. So, this Luca guy saved your life?”
“And kind of crushed me in the process,” I say, displaying my bandaged arm because I can see where her mind is headed.
“Very sad.” She barely gives it a glance. “How old is Superman?”
I press my lips together, even though Luca certainly has the build to play that role. “He’s not my type, Jess. Like, at all.”
“You mean he’s not a blond surfer bro with a loud laugh and major pick-me energy?”
“Hey,” I say, but as I mentally review the evidence…well, she might have a point. I haven’t dated since Ryan dumped me for Miss Manhattan a year ago, but before him, there was Cody. And before Cody, there was Ryder.
Jess watches me with a knowing smile. “You, my friend, need to figure out what you want out of life. You’ve been in this job for too long. You’ve gotten boring.”
“Rude.” But again, she’s got a point. I’ve been playing it safe. Ryan broke my heart so violently that I promised myself I wouldn’t put myself in a position ever again where I could be hurt like that. It’s why I’ve embraced that I’m going to be the cool, single cat-lady aunt in my family.
But lately, I’ve been on track to become theboringsingle cat-lady aunt, and I’m not okay with that. I need more excitement in my life and fewer budget reports. I don’t need to offer my heart up for slaughter, but I can still keep life interesting.
The office door opens, and our bosses walk in together, mid-conversation after a client lunch.
Jess shoots me a resigned guess-that’s-the-end-of-our-chit-chat look and heads back to her desk.
Once I’ve touched base with Bob, I shoot a response to Luca.
Tori
Thanks, but I can come get it from you!
Luca
I’ll bring it to you. You’re supposed to avoid driving after a head injury.
My MRI was clear, remember?
I remember. You still shouldn’t drive for 48 hours. I didn’t save your life so you could risk it again immediately.
Do I need to clear all my life choices with you now, then?
It couldn’t hurt.
I smile, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. Finally, I type my address in.
