The Thread Between Danny and Me

Chapter 24: It's been awhile

A week passed.

I came home late one evening after picking up Rojo from doggy daycare and collapsed onto the couch. It had been a long day dealing with unreasonable clients.

Buildings and spaces are never designed in a vacuum. They're always made for someone, and that someone usually has an excessive amount of money. And opinions.

To be clear, opinions aren't always bad. As a designer, it's my job to make my client's vision come to life. If I do my job right, the result is better than they dreamed. The collaboration can be so edifying and fun.

But in this business, opinions can quickly turn into entitlement. Entitlement and a lack of understanding that, "no, as much as you would like, you can't take out the support beam. The ceiling will collapse."

The husband had been more understanding than the wife, who had accused me of getting my math wrong. That part irked me the most. It took several assurances from Jules and Brandon that a support beam was absolutely necessary.

I leaned back and groaned. Rojo put his head on my lap, and I pet it, absently.

"I don't feel like making dinner," I said. "Time to order out."

I got my phone out of my pocket and placed a call to the Chinese restaurant I usually ordered from. While I waited, I did some cardio and yoga. By the time I was done, my dinner had arrived.

While I ate, I decided to get my laptop and scroll social media. It had been a while since I'd been on Facebook. I opened my browser and logged in.

I almost choked on my noodles.

"Oh my god! Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god," I said out loud. I set my noodles down and leaned forward. I stared at the icon.

It was a friend request and message from Danny.

My entire body trembled as I opened the message. The timestamp read four days ago.

"Hey, MJ. It's been a while. My mom said she saw you in Boston. How have you been? -Danny."

I almost chucked my computer across the table.

"After ten years and ignoring me the last half of freshmen year, that's what you have to say?!" I screeched.

I put my head in my hands and tried to ignore the impulse to cry.

Rojo licked me, aware of my distress.

I breathed deeply and placed one hand on his head. "Sorry, buddy. It's a little bit of an emotional rollercoaster when the love of your life messages you out of the blue like that."

I stared at the screen.

What was I supposed to say? What was I not supposed to say?

My heart pummeled my rib cage. Sweat congregated on my forehead. My fingers trembled as I tried to pull myself together.

I decided something equally friendly and short was best.

"Hey! Sorry I didn't get your message. I'm not on social media much. Your mom said you were playing baseball. I'm happy for you :-) -MJ"

Then, I accepted his friend request.

"Do I stalk him?" I asked Rojo.

He nudged my hand.

"You're right. I should."

My heart raced as my eyes sought the information I needed first.

Single.

My heart pounded harder.

There were lots of pictures of Danny, and most were of him playing baseball. It was hard to see his face since they were taken from the dugout, but he seemed happy.