Anticipation Like a Drug

And then, I wondered if she would call.

I didn’t make it home, I didn’t even make it to my car, before my phone was ringing. It was too soon to be her, I thought sullenly. It was probably Gabriel, lonely, and calling to talk to me about how all the 20-something girls weren’t interested in being bought. I was in no mood to talk to him.

The Caller ID labeled the call Private, but I was sure it was Gabriel, calling from his hotel. I answered the phone with a snarl. For a moment, I heard nothing from the other end of the line. Then I heard background noise, bar noise, and I became even more perturbed.

“What’s the matter? Are you okay?” I heard through the phone, faintly, from the background. “Who are you calling?”

I heard the sound of heavy breathing. “Hello?” It was her.

“Hello,” I said, anticipation making my voice waver.

“Ethan?”

“Yes.” Despite my growing excitement, I kept my voice level.

“Meet me in front of the restaurant,” she said.

“I’ll be right there.”

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