Chapter 13: No Strings Attached, No Complications

Taylor

On the Fourth of July, sunlight warms my face, awakening me from my dreams. I roll to my left, noticing a note on my nightstand. Sitting up, I unfold the note.

Had to run to the YMCA until noon. Be ready. We are going out for lunch and shopping all afternoon.

Love,

Kennedy

I glance at my phone on the charger. It’s already ten. Slipping from bed, I shuffle to the kitchen. I grab a Diet Coke and a protein bar for breakfast. Mentally calculate the time I need to shower and be ready by noon for Kennedy, and I climb back into bed while I eat my bar. I scroll through social media and a few emails. My phone vibrates as a new text alert sounds.

Jorge: r u up?

Me: am now

Jorge: sorry go back 2 sleep

Me: JK

Jorge: so u were up. Nice. Can I call?

I type Y-e-s, then decide to delete it. I scroll through my contacts and FaceTime his phone.

Jorge’s face lights up my screen. He is lying on a pillow, his hair a disheveled disaster. “Good morning,” he greets with a raspy voice.

“What’s up?”