Page 90 of Only After We Met
To: Rhys Baker
Subject: It’s not fair
By the way, I didn’t tell you when I saw it a few weeks ago, but Alexa put a photo of the two of you on her Instagram. (Yeah, Iwas stalking you, whatever, don’t laugh or roll your eyes.) What kind of nonsense is this? You’re my best friend, and I can’t take a photo with you, but she can? It’s not fair. Sometimes I forget what exactly your face is like. Not the main outline, obviously, but the little details. I’d like to have you on my corkboard of happy memories. Because you’re one of them, Rhys.
From: Rhys Baker
To: Ginger Davies
Subject: RE: I hate my life
Alexa pushed me, and I couldn’t say no. She’s stubborn.
But if it really bothers you, I’ll send a photo. I just took it. The beach is the same one you can see from my back porch. I hope it keeps you from forgetting the little details, and you can hang it up on your corkboard.
From: Ginger Davies
To: Rhys Baker
Subject: CONGRATULATIONS
Congratulations, Rhys! Today’s the big day! I can’t believe I logged on to Spotify, and there was your name. And the song…it’s perfect. Brilliant. You’re brilliant. You must be so proud. Does your whole family know? I hope so, because they’ll be just as happy as I am.
Tell me how everything goes, Rhys.
Best of luck.
Part 3
Success. Independence. Searching.
“Well, I must endure the presence of two or three caterpillars if I wish to become acquainted with the butterflies.”
The Little Prince
45
From: Ginger Davies
To: Rhys Baker
Subject: Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday, Rhys! I can’t believe how fast time is passing. Twenty-eight. You’re so old. It’s just been a month or two since last year’s present reached you, and I’m already wrapping the next one. (I’m trying to be funny. Next time you’ll keep me informed of major dates.) I bought you something I hope you’ll like. Have a good day. Spend it surrounded by friends.
Lots of kisses (real ones, with feeling).
From: Ginger Davies
To: Rhys Baker
Subject: How are things?
I guess you must be crazy busy. The song’s a hit! How many streams have you gotten? All the times I’ve listened to it on Spotifymust have boosted your numbers a lot. Seriously though, it’s so amazing to search for you on Google and see you pop up like that. I’m so proud! Everywhere I go, I tell people Rhys Baker is my best friend. When I go through the checkout lane at the supermarket I’m like, “Give me a discount, because I’m friends with Rhys Baker. That’s right, the one with the song.” Sorry, I’m rambling. I just want you to know how happy I am that everything’s going so well, and I hope I hear from you soon. I miss your daily messages, even if I get that you’re super busy now.
Take care, okay? More kisses.
From: Rhys Baker