“Please slow down. You don’t want to choke.”
“Okay, Sarie,” Kaylee mumbled around the apple slice, which was now in her mouth. The pained look on her face clearly said that Sara was trying her patience, but she didn’t complain. Even at five, she was smart enough to know that it would just delay the fun. She knew that all parents felt as if their kid was the best at everything, and Sara was no exception. Kaylee was absolutely precious. A combination of smart, stubborn, sweet, and so damned funny. Don’t forget you’re not her mother. Nicole and Chris were the ones who would be front and center at every major moment in this child’s life, as they should be. And you’ll be standing to the side next to your mother.
When Kaylee finished her food, Sara had her phone out before the girl had taken two steps from the table. “Have fun, sweetie, and remember your manners,” she called out absently as she impatiently logged into her e-mail. And there it was . . . another reply from Gabe. She clutched her iPhone as if it would take flight if she didn’t hold it tightly. Yet she did nothing more. After all of her eagerness, she sat staring at the screen. Why am I so nervous? This is nuts. I don’t even know him. How come this is so important to me? But she couldn’t deny it did feel important to her. Meeting him had given her an excitement she hadn’t felt in so long. And she was afraid each time that either she’d never hear from him again or he’d simply brush her off. His brief responses aren’t exactly begging you to continue contacting him.
Before she found an excuse to delay any longer, she quickly opened the e-mail and smiled at the short paragraph. He certainly wasn’t one to waste words.
Sara,
Yes, I am single and my dog’s name is Trouble. After being surrounded by our uniforms for many years, I don’t think I share your views on them suiting everyone equally well. I would agree that touching your nose with your tongue isn’t necessarily a feature. And I’ve never given any thought as to what mine would be.
Thanks,
Gabe
She did a quick check and saw he’d sent it only a few hours after hers. That had to mean something, right? Maybe he enjoys talking to me as much as I enjoy his letters. Chloe would be horrified, but she hit the Reply button instead of waiting until later.
Gabe:
Why did you name your dog Trouble? There must be a story there. Don’t leave me hanging here. As for the uniforms, you’re a guy so I think I can safely assume that although you might be more of an expert on females, I am clearly in a better position to judge the males. OK, OK, I realize the fact that I haven’t had a date since electricity was invented might call my credentials into question, but I still believe I’m a more thorough judge than you are. Now you’re over there thinking I sound like the world’s biggest pervert, aren’t you? Spinster Sara spends her days cruising military bases, and her nights scouring the Internet for a little camo eye-candy. That’s my kink, Randall. Run, soldier, run! Since I have no clue as to what you look like, I can’t pick a favorite feature for you, but if we’re going by talent, like my tongue to the nose, yours would clearly be your chattiness.
Back to you,
Sara
She couldn’t help laughing at what she’d written. “That’s my kink”? There was no way she could send that. He really would think she was a nut. Her finger was hovering over the Cancel button when Kaylee barreled into the table. Sara’s drink went crashing to the floor, and tea seemed to cover everything around her. “I’m sorry, Sarie,” Kaylee cried out as she looked down at the carnage she’d accidentally caused.
“It’s fine, sweetie,” Sara assured her. “Could you grab some extra napkins while I pick everything up?” Sara turned to lay her cell phone on the table and she noticed the screen. Message Sent. “Oh crap,” she whispered. Somehow in the commotion she’d hit the button. The downside of using a phone for correspondence was that the small screen size left little space between selections. She’d done it a few times before, but it had never been a big deal. Usually she ended up sending a half-finished e-mail and had to explain it. But how could she