Page 30 of Beating Heart
Hey. How did you get my number?
I chewed on my thumbnail, thrilled that for the first time in months, an unknown number was from someone I wanted to talk to. I decided to change his contact info so I’d have it saved. I liked to put people in under names that I’d remember. I thought it over before I came up with a good name for him. The heart was my favorite organ that I’d studied in medical school, and the fact that it was his name, and he claimed it only beat for his little boy… it was the sweetest thing I’d ever heard.
Beating Heart
I ask if you’re okay and you reply with a question about me having your number?
Sorry. I’m fine. Maybe just a little embarrassed.
I picked up my wineglass and took a sip.
Beating Heart
Nothing to be embarrassed about. That fall was epic. You ate shit and landed in a bush, followed by an Olympic-worthy dismount and roll into the grass.
Beating Heart
I texted Doc Dolby and thanked him for having you bring over those drinks for Cutler, and asked for your number so I could thank you.
You didn’t tell him that I did some fancy gymnast move off your front porch?
Beating Heart
Nah. I thought I’d save that to torture you with.
Good to know.
Beating Heart
I hope I didn’t do anything to make you uncomfortable. I shouldn’t have stood so close, and I apologize if I crossed a line that I shouldn’t have crossed.
Stop. That wasn’t it. I wasn’t embarrassed that you were standing close. I’m not afraid of you, if that’s what you’re worried about.
Beating Heart
So what was with the tears?
I took another sip of wine and thought it over. I had nothing to lose. I wasn’t staying here. I’d avoided talking about it for so long; maybe it would help to actually get it out. But I also didn’t want everyone in town to know my story. Nash didn’t strike me as a gossipy guy, though. I moved to the couch, wineglass in hand, and dropped down beside Winnie.
Beating Heart
Did I freak you out again? Do you have a thing against crying?
No. I was getting myself a glass of wine and moving to the couch. But I wouldn’t say I’m particularly proud that it appeared you were about to kiss me and then pulled back because you thought I was crying.
I chuckled because I knew that would get a response.
Beating Heart
Oh, I thought you were crying, huh? Those weren’t real tears, Chadwick?
They weren’t real tears. I think they were probably just a sign of my enemies leaving my body.
Beating Heart
Wow. That’s heavy. Tell me more.
I’m kidding. Listen, it’s complicated. I think I got lost in the moment for a minute, and it felt good to feel that. It’s been a while.
