Page 34 of I Could Never

Josh: Everything changed after Brad died, Pumpkin. Everything.

Carly: I know.

Josh: I’ve also started to realize that the fun I always thought I was having was probably just my way of masking other issues. But that’s a discussion for another day.

Carly: You’re way more human than I thought, Mathers.

Josh: What was I before, a primate?

Josh: Wait… a pig? ;-)

Carly: No, LOL. But it’s nice to know there’s someone out there who understands what I’ve been going through.

My chest tightened.

Josh: This is too deep of a conversation to be having in the middle of a crowded bar. I’m also a little drunk, so I should probably stop texting before I start telling you secrets or some shit.

Carly: You’re not driving, are you?

Josh: No. Calling a ride.

Carly: Okay, good. Be careful.

Josh: Yes, Mom.

Carly: That’s a little disturbing, you know, after what you told me about my photo reminding you of her.

Shit.

Josh: I didn’t mean it like that.

Carly: Okay. ?

Josh: Tell Scottie I said hi.

Carly: I will.

“You texting a woman?” my friend asked.

I flinched. “No. Why do you think that?”

“You were smiling. So I just assumed.”

I put my phone face down, a bit disappointed in myself. “I was?”

“Yeah.”

Jordan was my work buddy and closest friend in Chicago. I’d yet to tell him about Carly being in Woodsboro with me and our living situation. He thought I was taking care of Scottie on my own, which was the original plan.

“I was just checking in on things back in Woodsboro,” I said.

“I can’t believe you’re staying out there.”

I took a sip of my drink. “It’s not that bad.”

“Really? You were dreading going…”

“I was. But it’s been okay.”