Page 65 of It's Always Sonny

PARKER: I know. Thanks, Sunshine. That was sweet of you.

SONNY: dont let them make u feel small pj

PARKER: It’s fine.

SONNY: its not fine

PARKER: Let it go. Nothing happened. It’s fine.

SONNY: ok.

SONNY: love u

I swipe away the exchange. I don’t remember what the Mini Eggs were for, but it was obviously something to do with my parents. They were the only people who ever made me feel small. Well, them and the loser bros at my last job.

As absurd as it sounds, what stands out to me most about this conversation isn’t his thoughtfulness or my shutting him out.

It’s his grammar.

Sonny always joked that he didn’t have time to worry about things like capitalization or punctuation.

A quick glance at our current texts tells me that’s yet another thing that has changed.

Why does my chest feel like something’s blossoming inside?

Is that … hope?

It is.

It’s hope.

I look at the last text Sonny sent, just a few minutes ago.

SONNY: I’m playing horseshoes because pickleball is forbidden by my contract. You’re welcome to come and play.

I bite my lip, holding back a smile … but also simply holding back. The pull I feel to Sonny is stronger than gravity. My breakdown was a lot. Letting him be part of putting me back together was even more. Neither of us is the same person anymore, but the draw I feel toward him hasn’t lessened.

He’s inviting me to spend time with him. I’m still not sure what this morning was about, but he was here for me when I needed him in the way I needed him.

Yet, our breakup was so bitter, I could understand if he were hurting and trying to figure out how to act, himself.

I’m not sure about everything that’s happening between us, but Sonny is as honest as they come. If he’s inviting me to come hang out with him, he wants me there.

Now if I could figure out what to do about that.

PARKER: Nah, I’m going to play cornhole.

SONNY: You, missy, are a brat.

PARKER: Toodlezzz.

SONNY: *groan* Bye Skate Park.

PARKER: Not this again.

SONNY: What do you mean, Water Park? Ice Park? Parks and Rec?

PARKER: I’m out, Sunshinezzz. Laterzzzzzzz.