Page 105 of Only After We Met

From: Ginger Davies

To: Rhys Baker

Subject: My list of things to do

I just got home and it’s one in the morning. No, two. Whatever.I spent the whole night in the bar where Donna works because according to her, I “need to get out and get a breath of fresh air.” While I was drinking beer—I’ve realized alcohol does wonderful things for me (irony intended)—I wrote some stuff on this piece of paper.

I’m attaching it. I think I should go to bed.

Go somewhere.

Have a kid. Or two. Or three.

Do something totally crazy.

Sunbathe without thinking about anything at all.

Have a fling.Or a three-way.

Dance with my eyes closed.

Cut my hair. Or dye it pink.

Start a small publisher.

Have a cat (that loves me).

Fall in love for real.

I’m so tired, Rhys…

I thought everything was going to be easier when I finished college, and all I feel is my room spinning round and round…like a Ferris wheel… Remember? The kiss we shared up there. I lied when I told you I did it so you wouldn’t burst into tears, but you must know I just wanted to kiss you.

You tasted so nice…like mint ice cream…

From: Rhys Baker

To: Ginger Davies

Subject: How naughty…

Well, well, who’d have ever guessed, Ginger?

A three-way, huh? I don’t know why you crossed it out; it sounds amazing to me. In general, I find the list very reasonable and interesting. Except for the thing about the three kids. That’s a little scary. But I have something very important to tell you: I know how you can fulfill all those wishes. Ready? Here goes:

Spend the summer with me, Ginger Snap.

I’m being one hundred percent serious. I have a free room in the apartment I don’t really use. Put whatever you need in a backpack—just summer clothes and a bathing suit; the rest you can buy here—catch a plane, and that’s that. Don’t think twice. Don’t look for a million excuses the way you always do. What do you say?

From: Ginger Davies

To: Rhys Baker

Subject: Shit

Shit. I guess acting like a moron is just what I do now. I can’t stand being shut up in this house with nothing to do and no goals on the horizon. But still, spend the summer with you? Have you lost your mind? I can’t do that, Rhys.

And the thing about the three-way was a lie. I was just bullshitting.