Page 45 of The Forecast Looks Like Reindeer

I cleaned my dish and went to my couch to curl up again in the blanket. The heat was on but was taking its time to heat the place. I flipped my TV to a comedy and lay down, hoping to fall asleep in front of it.

My phone buzzed.

I picked it up to see a text from Dale. It was like a switch flipped in my brain to instant happy excitement.

Dale:Miss you.

Aspen: Miss you more.

Dale: Are you okay?

Aspen: No.

Dale: Are you in bed?

Aspen: No.

Dale: Get into bed. I know you have to get up early and so do I, but when you’re settled, call me.

Aspen: I thought I might sleep on the couch.

Dale: Bed is more comfortable. I want to know you’re okay.

Aspen: Same. Are you in bed?

Dale: Yes. I’ll wait for you.

I turnedoff the TV and got up, a grin on my face. Quickly, I brushed my teeth and got into bed in just my shorts. I hadn’t even started to unpack.

I fluffed my pillows, pulled up the comforter and blanket, and called Dale.

“Hi.”

“Hi.”

“Are you in bed?” Dale’s voice was like music.

“Yes. Are you?”

“Yes. I had to call before I went to sleep. I needed to hear your voice,” he said.

“You didn’t get enough of my chatter on the six-hour drive home?”

“Nope.”

I laughed. “Good.”

“Baby, we can do this every night we’re not together.”

“Yes.” I was relieved. I needed this.

“And since New Year’s was on Monday, Friday will be here before you know it.”

“You’ll be spending the weekend with me, right?”

“What’s this? We discussed it. You think I’ve changed my mind?”

I gulped. “I need constant affirmation when I’m feeling insecure.”