Page 27 of The Long Way Found

"Sounds like you’re about to drive to his hotel and read him for filth."

Luke smiled despite himself. "I'm not that bad."

"You're calling me at eight-forty-five on a Thursday because a guy didn't text you back fast enough. You're a little bit that bad."

"Fair point."

"Look," Alex said more softly. "I get why you're nervous. This guy hurt you before, but that was a million years ago. Give him a chance to show he’s different before you decide he's not."

Luke fell silent for a moment. "You're right."

"I know I am. Now⁠—"

Luke's phone buzzed against his ear.

He pulled it away and looked at the screen.

Jack.

"He just texted," Luke said.

Alex laughed. "See? Stop being crazy. What'd he say?"

Luke read it aloud. "Hi, sorry, just seeing this. Long day but good. How are you?"

"Perfectly fine response,” Alex said. “Now, don't text him back immediately."

"What?"

"You heard me. Wait like ten, fifteen minutes. You don't want to seem desperate."

"I'm forty years old—almost. I'm not playing games."

"It's not a game. Just... give it a minute. Finish your conversation with me. Then text him back."

Luke smiled. "When did you get so wise?"

"I've always been wise. It’s my gift and my curse." Alex paused. "You good now?"

"Yeah. I'm good. Thanks.”

"Anytime, babe.”

After they hung up, Luke reread Jack's message.

Long day but good.

Simple. Straightforward. No red flags.

Alex was right. Luke was overreacting.

He waited fifteen minutes—washing dishes, putting them away, and refilling Marley's water bowl. It wasn’t to play games. He wanted time to process his emotions rather than react to them.

Then he picked up his phone and typed, "All good here. Glad your first day went well. Talk soon?"

That was good, he thought. Short and easy, no big deal.

He hit send and set the phone down.