Ed asked first thing Monday morning when I met him to start our shift. He stood in front of our assigned truck rubbing his hands together anxiously and shuffling from one foot to the next. “You’re pathetic.” I laughed at how ridiculous he looked. “Come on. I’ve been waiting to get the lowdown on your weekend,” he said unapologetically. “It was fine.” I got in the truck and cranked the engine, forcing him to get in as well. “Just fine?” “Yeah. Fine. What are you a fucking chick now?” Was he going to ask me about my feelings next? I sure as fuck hoped not. “Hey, I’m in touch with my feminine side. Any real man is,” he scoffed. All I could do was shake my head as we maneuvered out of the lot and over to where we would spend the majority of our morning. “I could really use some coffee.” After a delay with the plane, I hadn’t gotten in until nearly midnight. Then I laid in bed for hours trying to fall asleep, thinking of Rissa and that damn kiss that almost happened, all the while knowing I had to get up in five hours.
