Page 19 of Alonzo

“No, for real. OK. One sec. Let me get in position.”

Even though I probably have this pic in my dirty Tara pic directory, I decide to take a new one. I have a large mirror attached to my dresser so all I really have to do is get up on my hands and knees and point my ass in that direction.

“Hey, Tara?”

“Almost ready. One sec.”

“Do you… like doing this?”

“Doing what?” Shit. The phone slips out of my hand as I point it at the mirror. I snatch it back up and point it at the mirror again. I want him to see my face too. Even though he didn’t ask for it. That’s perfect. I click the pic and scramble back under the covers. It’s fucking freezing tonight.

“Tara?”

“Sorry. I dropped the phone. Pic coming your way.”

“Do you though?”

“Do I what?”

The message delivery notification dings on the other end of the line. “Jesus.”

“Is it not good enough?’

“No, it’s… fucking hot. You. You’re so fucking hot. That’s why I’m asking.”

“Asking what? I think I missed your question.”

“Do you like taking pics like this for me?”

“Yeah. Sure. Why? Do you think it’s weird? It’s weird, right? Should I be all… offended? I should, shouldn’t I?”

“Not if you don’t want to be. I’m only asking because… well, I like them. I like you, Tara.”

“Hmm. I like you too. You’re the best part of my day.”

“Really?”

“Seriously.”

“Me too.”

I sink down into the covers a little more, suddenly warm and tingly all over. “Sometimes I wish you were here. But I don’t like to say that to you.”

“Why not?”

“Because we’re in this… relationship. I guess it’s a relationship. We’re doing it this way for a reason. Right?”

“What’s your reason?”

“What’s yours?”

“I dunno. I’ve been asking myself that question a lot lately.”

“Oh, shit.” My heart skips a beat or two. “You’re tired of me, right?”

“No, not at all.”

“Then what do you mean?”