Page 19 of Only After We Met
And you’re right, it’s hard for me to talk about myself and I really like learning about you. I won’t argue there. But I promise I’ll try harder. So let’s see. What can I tell you? Right now I’m at the airport. My plane leaves in three hours. I’m going to NewYork for a month. I’m nervous. It’s weird. I might see my mom. Maybe. I’m going because a friend got me a gig in a bar. I’ll be filling in for someone. You know what? I feel strange leaving Paris. I’ve never had this feeling before.
I hope you’re well. Look on the bright side: one day we might be shopping and wind up in a hostage situation. And you’ll live, thanks to me being there.
From: Ginger Davies
To: Rhys Baker
Subject: RE: Friends 4ever
I like this subject line so much that I don’t think I’ll ever, ever change it. Yeah, we’re friends. I admit it: it’s weird for me to go too many days without hearing from you too. Strange, right? Getting so used to looking at my email in bed right before going to sleep every day and finding one of your messages there.
It’s hard to imagine you in New York. I always have this idea of you walking the same streets in Paris we saw together, but I’m glad you’ll get to see your mother. How long has it been? You seem a little sad, or am I just making things up? Ignore me. You know I’ve got that tendency.
I got an A on the exam. So I’m happy. As far as Dean and our friends, I could write a book about that. And I don’t want to bore you.
From: Ginger Davies
To: Rhys Baker
Subject: RE: Friends 4ever
I forgot to ask: Why did you feel weird leaving Paris?
From: Rhys Baker
To: Ginger Davies
Subject: RE: RE: Friends 4ever
I’ve gotten used to seeing your emails too…
Yeah, you’re right. I’m a little sad. I don’t know if my writing shows it or if you just know me better than I thought possible, but traveling to America makes me feel nostalgic. I guess it’s the thought that I could just rent a motorcycle, hit the road, and go home. To my real home. When I’m far away in Europe, I don’t think so much about my family. It’s almost like that ocean between us makes me feel secure. Does that make sense? Probably to you. But don’t overthink it, Snaps.
Tell me all about Dean and your friends, please. I love reading your emails. And it’s good for me at times like these, when I feel like this. I’m writing you from a tiny bedroom in an apartment I’m sharing with five people. I don’t know if I can take it much longer. I like traveling the world and laying my head wherever, but once a few days pass, I need my space, my solitude, and having too many people around makes me feel like I’m drowning. I suppose you get that too.
As for Paris… I don’t know…
When I left, I felt like I was forgetting something.
Don’t try to figure out what that means, Ginger.
From: Ginger Davies
To: Rhys Baker
Subject: RE: RE: RE: Friends 4ever
Oh, Rhys, I can’t stand thinking you’re sad. And so far away! What I mean is, if I was there, we could see each other for a coffee, and I could cheer you up and make some dumb remark, the kind only you don’t find embarrassing. I think I understand what you’re telling me. You’re there; it makes you feel closer to home. I’ll bet you can’t stop thinking about it. I don’t know what to say to make you feel better, but I’ll do what you say and tell you about Dean.
I had friends, but we always went out with the same group. And it’s not like he just wanted to drop me; I had a hand in it too. It’s no fun going out with your friends one night for a drink and having to watch your ex try to hook up with the waitress and even getting her number, you know? And that happened the first time I decided to go out. Look, I’m not one of those strong women who’s all brave and can leave her boyfriend of five years, and then two weeks later it’s like nothing ever happened. Now I’m starting to feel better though. I’m finding myself. Don’t laugh. You were right. Wewerelike Siamese twins; we did everything together. Maybe that’s why it was so hard to get used to being without him. I mean, getting up every morning and reminding myself I didn’t need to call to wake him up because he always shut off his alarm, or standing outside the door to his dorm waiting to walk to school with him and get a coffee from the corner shop where they make the best cappuccino in the world (youcan’t even imagine how good it is). Then there’s the classes we share. Then there’s our social life. I’ve had to cut the cord. But I feel better. Actually, you know what? I think I’m going to go to a party Kate invited me to next week. It’ll do me some good.
Tell me how things are in New York.
From: Rhys Baker
To: Ginger Davies
Subject: RE: RE: RE: RE: Friends 4ever