Page 23 of Smoked

"I finished that book," he says.

"What book?"

"The one you told me about that you're reading. I picked it up on audiobook."

I sit down on my bed. "That's a five-hundred-page literary novel."

"It's a twelve-hour audiobook and I had a twelve-hour drive. The guy who does the husband's voice is annoying, but I kept going. The part where she goes back to the house and finds his letters. That part's really good, Tess."

“Well, I’m glad you enjoyed it,” I say, trying not to be floored.

He asks what I thought of the ending and I tell him, and he argues with me about whether the husband deserved what he got, and I can’t believe I’m having this discussion with him.

How many ways can I swoon over him?

Wednesday night, he calls me as he’s laying in bed.

We talk about nothing for a long time. He tells me about a truck stop outside of Forsyth that has homemade pie and a cat that sleeps on the counter. I tell him about the stack of syllabi on my kitchen table that I still haven’t finished since I’ve been rereading his rub notes. He laughs, and the sound stirs something deep inside me.

Then it gets quiet.

“I wish I could kiss you goodnight,” he says, in that husky rasp.

“Me, too,” I reply. “You’re an excellent kisser.”

He chuckles. I know he wants to say more, but he needs to be fresh for the remainder of the drive back.

"You’ll get plenty of kisses when you get back…and more,” I say. “Goodnight, Wade, drive safe.”

“I can’t wait,” he says. “Night, Tess.”

And then I fall asleep imagining he’s holding me.

Thursday, a text arrives from a number I don't have saved.

hi ms fields this is riley. don't tell my dad i have your number. on a scale of 1 to 10 how much do you like him. and don't say 7 because 7 is what people say when they don't want to commit

I laugh.

Riley, this feels like a conflict of interest. How did you get my number?

coach sloane's emergency contact sheet. i'm resourceful. answer the question, please

I shouldn't encourage this.

Fine, 11.

I KNEW IT. don't worry i'll act normal

And don’t tell Sloane.

darn ok bye ms fields

I'm still laughing when a text from Wade comes in shortly after.

did Riley text you

Maybe.