Page 76 of In Your Wildest Dreams
A huge smile breaks out on my face, and I type back quickly.
Me
Oops. Sorry. That went right by me. To be fair, I’ve eaten like a dozen sugar cookies today, so I think my brain is shutting down.
Ash
Sure, sure. I’m not at all disappointed that some shmuck three years ago was your best kiss.
Me
I’m sure you’ll survive.
Ash
Barely.
Me
If I’d said you, would your ego have launched you to space?
Ash
Fuck yeah it would have.
I smile harder at his honesty.
Ash
Heading out to dinner with my family. Talk later?
Me
Yeah, I should go too. My parents and I are going to the movie theater. Bring on the popcorn!
Ash
Have fun.
And then a second later, he sends another.
Ash
Am I at least the second best?
* * *
By Christmas Eve, I’ve binged so much TV that the couch has a permanent indent of my butt in my favorite spot. I’ve also eaten dozens of homemade sugar cookies, done festive things with the family, and slept in nearly every single day. It’s been glorious, but now I’m bored.
My parents are both busy—Mom is wrapping presents and baking for dinner at my grandparents’ house tonight and my dad left early this morning, probably to finally buy his presents.
I’ve had to navigate a few awkward conversations about Gabe. My ex and I dated for over a year and my parents really liked him. Last year, he even came home with me for the holidays.
I shake off the reminder as I sit on my bed in my room. It’s exactly the same as when I left to go to college. Same teal walls with fairy lights and pictures above my bed, tennis trophies and awards scattered around with high school memorabilia.
My dad threatens to turn it into an office every time I’m home, but it’s reassuring in a way to come back and have things be just the way I remember them.
When peak boredom hits, I decide to clean out my closet. I pull out everything and lay it on my bed. Old prom dresses, tennis skirts, visors, shoes—so many shoes, and jeans that don’t fit anymore.
