She shot off with the bag with one glance over her shoulder and a quick wave before disappearing through the glass doors and off to her check in line.
I jumped at the presence and voice in my left ear. “She’s gone, Romeo. Now move your damn car.”
Fumbling for my keys, I hopped back into my car and joined the rest of the people leaving departures.
What if she met a smooth Italian guy and decided she was going to stay? What if she ran off to Paris with someone from her internship for a romantic vacation and decided to elope? What if she came back and I’d lost my shot?
FROM: [email protected]
SUBJECT: Guess what?
Hi LJ,
I’m finally here!!! And guess what? I got bumped up to business class! Beat you to it. In a year, you’ll probably be flying private. They handed out cool towels and I had my first glass of champagne. The real deal, not sparkling wine. The poor guy beside me wasn’t nearly as fun to joke around with as you are. I hope you’re having fun. I saw the pool party pics. Don’t have too much fun without me.
My internship starts on Monday. It gives me just enough time to find a place to eat near the apartment I’m living in. Sending pics of the apartment! Want to video chat later?
FROM: [email protected]
SUBJECT: Re: Guess what?
Hey Marisa, the apartment looks great! Business class!! You know you suck, right? The pool party was a last minute thing. It wasn’t too bad, until Keyton had to drag Chris Farrell out of the deep end. Chris almost flunked out and got cut from the team and was drowning his sorrows in half a keg of beer. Other than that, things are quiet. My dad has his six-month doctor’s visit in August. We’re all holding our breath until then, but I’m sure that Magic Marisa bone marrow will keep on working. I’m good to video chat whenever.
FROM: [email protected]
SUBJECT: Re: Re: Guess what?
Hi LJ,
Of course, Chris ended up almost drowning. Sucks he got cut.
You didn’t have to repaint my room, but I love the color. The food situation is precarious. I didn’t think about how being in the museum would mean being so close to the tourist spots with insane restaurant prices. One thing I’ll say is the bread and cheese are delicious—throw some ham on it and I’m good to go. A sandwich summer spectacular for me.
The house party looked like fun. Christmas in July was a great theme! Were you pretending to be Santa or something? There was a lot of lap sitting, LOL!
I hope your dad’s visit goes well. Fingers and toes crossed. Video chat soon?
FROM: [email protected]
SUBJECT: Re: Re: Re: Guess what?
Hey Marisa,
Santa, haha. Good one. No Santa sessions. Just everyone trying to crowd into the pic. Is the guy you went to lunch with from your program? Looked like you two were having fun at the restaurant. Glad you’re finally getting some hot food.
The date keeps changing for the doctor’s visit. With our luck it’ll end up being when you land. If it is, I’ll see if Liv can pick you up.
FROM: [email protected]
SUBJECT: Time zones suck!
Hi LJ,
Don’t worry about it. I can always take a taxi. I missed your last video call. Time differences are a thing. The meal was awesome. Pasta tastes so different here. Maybe because it’s fresh. Henri is in my internship program. He’s French and also speaks Italian. It’s made getting around a lot easier, hanging out with him.
I can’t believe you had a Nerf Battle without me! Who was the new girl? You haven’t replaced me already, have you?
FROM: [email protected]
SUBJECT: Re: Time zones suck!
Hey Marisa,
Looks like you’re hanging out a lot. Glad he’s helping you get around. I talked to Liv. She’s good to cover your pick up, if the doctor’s visit runs late. Reece finished training camp last week, so he and Nix stopped by for one last game. The new girl is Elle’s roommate, Jules. She’s nice and lives across the street. She made some of the best brownies I’ve ever had in my life. She keeps giving us her baking experiments and we’re all more than happy to be guinea pigs.
FROM: [email protected]
SUBJECT: I totally touched it!
LJ, Wow! A baker and right across the street. That’s super close and convenient. She seems nice. Really cute too. You won’t have to worry about satisfying that sweet tooth with her around.
And don’t worry about the airport. It’s fine. Seriously! I can get to the house on my own. How is this summer almost over? I’m going to be sad to leave. This had been the best summer. I got to touch a Picasso! Well, not with my bare hands. They were moving it and I slapped on my nitrile gloves and pitched in. It was surreal.
FROM: [email protected]
SUBJECT: Hello???
LJ, how are things going?
FROM: [email protected]
SUBJECT: Re: Hello???
Hey Marisa, it sounds like you’re having a blast. Sorry it took me so long to reply. Summer workouts are kicking my ass and I picked up two summer classes to lighten my load during the semester. Both had finals at the same time. I fell asleep most nights at my desk and my neck is killing me.
FROM: [email protected]
SUBJECT: Whenever you get to this…
Hi LJ, no problem. I figured you were busy. I’m sure Jules can give you something to help with the pain or any of the other people stopping by the house. Seems like things are pretty busy there. Lots of hanging out. I didn’t know you were taking summer classes. I guess we don’t have to tell each other everything, right?
I can’t believe my flight lands in a day and a half. I feel like we were just saying bye at the airport.