Page 41 of Choose Me

Gunnar:I fucked up. Sorry. I can be a real dick

Gunnar:I’m glad you’re home. In Seattle, I mean

Gunnar:Maybe we can grab a beer sometime

Gunnar:Ok I’m assuming you’re busy and not being a dick

Gunnar:Astrid says you’re not being a dick

Gunnar:you’re probably “busy”Stuck out tongue winking eye emoji

For as much as he’s matured since I left, Gunnar still has a knack for reminding people he’s the little brother.

Me:Very funny. It’s cool. Just try being less of a dickWink emoji

Surprisingly, three little dots dance along the screen. I didn’t expect him to be up this early. I chuckle when his text comes through.

Gunnar:Middle finger emoji

Typical Gunnar.

Me:A beer sounds great. Next week?

Gunnar:thumbs up emoji

I close that conversation and open the one from Astrid.

Astrid:Please acknowledge the text apologies

Astrid:B and G are sorry and worried

Astrid:Wondering where you are

Astrid:Told them you’re fine but “busy” so not replying

Astrid:B thinks you’re at Stef’s

Astrid:G wants to know who you’re busy withRolling eyes emoji

Me:Thanks for the save

Three dancing dots appear, and since it’s Astrid, I’m not surprised she’s awake. She’s always been an early bird.

Astrid:You home?

Me:Not yet

Astrid:open mouth emoji wink emoji heart eyes emoji

Me:rolling eyes emoji

Astrid:So… ???

Me:Hot face emoji smiling face with three hearts emoji grin emoji

AstridOMG!!! So happy for you!

Her next text is a gif of a woman wiping away happy tears.