Page 101 of Lumi

He kissed me before we both went back to different conversations.

“Kit O’Rourke, you are the bravest and toughest woman I know. Call the number and talk to him.”

“Or I could text him. Texting is less intrusive.”

“Fine, then text him, but take charge of your life.”

Putting her beer down on the counter, Kit began typing on her phone.

“What are you writing?”

“I don’t know. It’s all shite.” She deleted everything. “What should I write?”

“Don’t overthink it.”

She typed again and handed it to me.

Kit: Do you remember me? Kit O’Rourke. It’s been twenty-four years, but I would love an update. How are you?

“That’s perfect. Now don’t think, just press send.”

Kit made a funny sound the moment she sent it, and then she scrunched up her face and covered her eyes. “I shouldn’t have done that. Why did I do it?”

“Well done.” I stroked her arm up and down. “How do you feel?”

“Awful. I should have never let ye talk me into it.”

We were both staring at her phone, but when nothing happened in the next minute, she sighed and placed it on the bar.

“He’s probably laughing with his wife right now, showing her my text. ‘Look at this silly goose from my youth tryin’ to get my attention.’ And then he’s going to kiss her and take her right on the sofa to remind her that she’s the only one he wants.”

“You don’t know that.” I had only just said the words when Kit’s phone lit up.

Kit pushed at my arm. “Ye look. I can’t do it.”

I picked up her phone. “It’s from him.”

“What did he say?” She grabbed it from me and read out loud.

Owen: “How could I ever forget?”

Kit stared at her phone. “Is that it?”

I bit my lip. “Hmm… maybe he’s a slow texter or a man of few words.”

“Should I write him again?”

“No.” I put my hand on hers. “You told him that you would like an update. Don’t chase him. Play it cool.”

For another minute, we looked around the bar, glancing at the phone every five seconds until it lit up again.

Owen: If you want an update, how about I call you?

Kit’s eyes grew to double size, and she dug her fingers into my shoulder. “Lumi, he wants to call me. What should I say?”

“Tell him that’s fine. And then you go outside, find a quiet place, and talk to him.”

“My car. I’ll go to my car.” Kit’s fingers typed fast, and then she leaned over and kissed me on my cheek before pushing her way through the crowded bar.