Chapter 9

9

DAMON

O ne thing about repetitive work is that it gives you plenty of time to think. As I nail and then mud a huge patch of drywall, I’m glad Allie seemed perfectly bright and healthy at our lunch.

If there was more time, I would have taken her to another restaurant, or even home to cool down with some air conditioning, but she seemed totally fine. No flush in her cheeks. No sudden paleness. No apparent dizziness, or the spaced-out look people often get when they have a headache.

It was a giant relief to me, since there was an air pressure shift right when we had lunch. Yeah, I might have downloaded a couple of apps that track these things, and I’m trying to fine tune them to our location.

I didn’t ask her whether she had the apps already. Didn’t ask her if she’s considered a wristband thermometer that would alert her when she gets overheated.

Is it really fair that I’m so worried about her? I mean, I’m trying to make sure she doesn’t worry too much about me .

I finish the job and get home late, but not too late to text Allie.

Hey, gorgeous. How was your second early shift? Better for beating the heat?

She responds in about five minutes, as I’m pouring myself a bowl of protein cereal for dinner.

Allie: Yes – so much better! And your magic chilly scarf really helped, too. Just had a quick shower, which is amazing for cooling down, and your trick with the fans has turned this apartment from a furnace to somewhere I can actually rest. Thank youuuuuu!

Good. I’m glad.

If it ever gets too warm or too cold, you know you’re always welcome to stay here.

Shit. Was that too forward? Being pushy is probably the worst thing I could do.

Allie: Thanks for the offer. I really appreciate it. Tonight I’m having an Official Boring Night.

You know I’m going to have to ask what that is…

Allie: LOL! It’s when I clean the apartment, have a shower, and then read quietly until bedtime.

And here I am, interrupting your reading time like a jerk.

Allie: I’ll forgive you. But only because that sandwich today was fantastic, LOL. Thank you again for bringing lunch.

Anytime. Well, I’ll let you get back to your book. Sweet dreams.

My thumbs hesitate over the keyboard, then I send a heart emoji.

She replies with a string of stars.

Not quite sure what that means, but it feels positive. Everything about Allie feels positive. She’s funny and light and everything just feels better when she’s around.

Allie claims to be having an intentionally boring night, meanwhile I’ve been having them for years and didn’t even realize it. It’s like I’ve been half asleep and I’m just waking up now and realizing what my life has been missing.

Sorry – one more thing. May I please take you out on an official date tomorrow?

She responds in seconds.

Allie: I’d love that.

Awesome. I’ll text you details tomorrow. Good night.

I have a date with an incredible girl for a Friday night. A date with the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.

Even if I manage to keep her from being overcome by this wild weather, I have a date with the hottest girl on the mountain.