Page 33 of Only After We Met
Right, so my mom came into my bedroom while I was writing you, and I got so nervous I hit Send. And off she went. I think.She comes in between five and ten times an hour. Sometimes she just knocks, opens up, and says, “I just wanted to make sure you were okay.” And I look at her like,Are you crazy?I know, I’m a bad daughter and you’re an angel fallen from heaven for being willing to listen to me. Thank you, Rhys. Thank you.
Anyway, this summer, when we get back from vacay, I’ll have to go every day to work with my dad (plus Donna’s only managed to get off three days in total to stay with us; then she’ll have to take the train back). Conclusion: lying around and reading is over. I’m imagining you on the beach right now, and the envy’s killing me. You must be super tan. I know you have a job, but I always have this feeling like your life is an eternal vacation.
I hope there’s Wi-Fi in Glastonbury.
From: Rhys Baker
To: Ginger Davies
Subject: Be a tough cookie
Maybe it’s because I’ve had a bit to drink, but I want to tell you what I think you should do right now. Open your closet, throw a bunch of summer clothes in your bag, go to the airport, and catch a flight straight to LA.
Spend the summer with me, Ginger. It’ll be fun. We can get drunk together, and I’ll teach you to surf, and we’ll swim at night on the beach. Naked. If you want. You’ve probably never done anything like that, right? Leave your swimsuit on the shore and run out into the water? I’ll be your accomplice. Think it over.
Fuck that job. It sounds boring.
From: Ginger Davies
To: Rhys Baker
Subject: RE: Be a tough cookie
My God, Rhys, you can’t say something like that to me.
YOU CAN’T, OKAY? Because I can’t stop thinking about how awesome it would be, and it’s impossible. Don’t write me again when you’re drunk, because the stuff you come up with is too tempting, and I can’t even allow myself to fantasize about it.
From: Ginger Davies
To: Rhys Baker
Subject: [No subject]
Are you mad at me? I don’t expect you to understand, but in my world, there’s such a thing as obligations, schedules, things to do.
From: Ginger Davies
To: Rhys Baker
Subject: …
Okay, we’re at the hotel and I have internet, but I guess you don’t, because you still haven’t written me back. Seriously, are you going to be mad at me forever? I didn’t even do anything. I would like to be there, but I can’t…
From: Rhys Baker
To: Ginger Davies
Subject: Sorry
I’m sorry!! Of course I’m not mad, Ginger. How could I get mad over a thing like that? I understand. It was just a crazy idea that popped into my head. I’ll try not to write you again when I’m drunk and it’s after 3:00 a.m. I’ve barely rested these days. Sarah showed up, and I’ve moved into an apartment with her for a few weeks until she has to leave again.
Enjoy your trip. Tell me how everything goes there.
From: Ginger Davies
To: Rhys Baker
Subject: Intrigued