Page 51 of Aperture

“I miss you, too,” I say, skipping the greeting. “When will you be home?”

“Saturday,” he replies. I can hear the relief in his voice that I called him back.

For someone so beautiful, intelligent, and funny, I’ve learned that Theo needs reassurance. I understand, especially since we aren’t physically in the same place right now.

It’s only Wednesday. I’ve barely been in a relationship for two weeks, and it’s already hard. I try to change the subject to something lighter.

“So, my best friend Gwen met a guy, and we were thinking we should go on a double date.”

“Awesome,” he says, jumping at the chance to change the subject. “What’s his name?”

“Johnny.”

“Cool, cool, cool. I assume she asked his mom for permission to go out with her since he sounds like he’s twelve.” I bellow. I like this version of Theo very much.

“Yeah, she’s not exactly loving his name either. Maybe we can give him a cool nickname, like Rex?”

Theo busts up laughing.

“Rex?” he repeats. “Is that a cool nickname?”

“I don’t know,” I giggle. “Better than Johnny.”

After that, our conversation is much more relaxed as we talk about the next few days and make plans to see one another on Saturday.

“I really do miss you, Millie,” he says.

“Me, too, Theo. I’ll see you in a couple of days.”

I hang up feeling better and ready to go to sleep with the hope of tomorrow bringing a better day, but before I fall asleep I text Gwen.

Millie: So, interesting new development

Gwen: Did McDonald’s bring the McRib back, because that shit was gross. But maybe we should get one anyway?

She’s not lying. As much as I wanted to like those little ambiguous meat sandwiches, I just couldn’t.

Millie: No, not that. Well, maybe that? I have no idea. But this is about Theo.

Gwen: Good development or bad development?

Millie: I’m not sure. Can we chat tomorrow sometime? I’m too tired to get into it tonight.

Gwen: Of course. Coffee in the morning. I’ll text you after I leave the gym. I have some updates about Johnny!

Millie: Can’t wait to hear about it! ♥️

Chapter 27

The next morning, I meet Gwen for lunch at La Casita after her gym session. She looks much better than I did after my workout with Wyatt. But Gwen always looks good.

As soon as I walk in and see her, I embrace her in a hug, my face pressed to that comforting bosom of hers. I feel tears well in my eyes. I don’t want to cry, but I’m just feeling so emotional lately. Maybe I’m getting my period or something.

“Hi, Mouse,” she says, as she wraps her arms around me. “You just take comfort there, like so many before you,” she deadpans.

I take a step back and laugh. “You know I find your boobs comforting?” I ask.

“Everyone does,” she shrugs.