Drawing the Line

Chapter 5: Boys Will Be Boys

It's been a few weeks since Jamie visited and my heart is feeling lighter. We're not where we need to be, but I see light at the end of the tunnel and am growing in confidence that we'll get there. Jerrie finally got sick of running interference on his texts and calls and deemed to give him my new number with the following restrictions:

· I can return his texts during normal hours, but not more than three per hour (she says the text-a-thons are not in my best interest and make me appear too easy).

· Along the same lines, no sexting. Jerrie says, and I quote, "If he wants it bad enough he'll fly here. And likewise for you. Don't settle for phone sex, sister. Get the real thing or do without."

· If I get pissed at him, I have to turn my phone off or hand it over. Under no circumstances am I to text or call when angry. Apparently I have anger explosion issues and I need to learn to let things settle before responding lest I put something out there I can't take back.

· I have to keep Jerrie updated (in a general sense) so she knows how to best support me.

I've been a ball of energy today because I'm so excited that Adam is finally coming to visit. He and Brit, are indeed, now dating. He even invited her to come, but she couldn't arrange her schedule to join him – so it's just me, him, and Jerrie for the weekend. He's due to land in an hour and come to my apartment, and then we are going to meet Jerrie for dinner uptown.

Jamie sends me a selfie of him and Cillian looking all bloody. They are filming another war movie and having a great time together. His text is playful,

Look at me. I'm a mess. I need tending. Come take care of me.

I'm sure the costumers will be more than happy to clean you up.

Have you no heart?

I have a big heart, but not for pathetic boys trying to use fake blood to instill sympathy. Have you no shame?

Fine. Be that way. I'll take a shower and go home. What are you up to?

Jerrie and I are having dinner with Adam tonight.

Vancouver Adam?

Yeah, he's in for the weekend.

Where's he staying?

In my spare bedroom.

He goes radio silent for about an hour and then he's back, right when my doorbell rings.

Please keep your panties on, Dakota.

Okay, that's just crass.

My phone trills with a call from yours truly. "Are you calling to apologize?"

"Fuck no. I'm calling to remind you how you would feel if some woman was sleeping in my spare bedroom."

"You mean like your wife was doing in LA?"

"Dammit, Dakota – not the same and you know it."

"I've got to go, Jamie. Jerrie's rules. Can't talk or text when I'm angry with you."

"God dammit Dakota don't hang up on me..."

Click.

I put my phone on silent and move to the door to find a broadly smiling Adam on the other side. To my relief, I still felt nothing for him as he picked me up to spin me around. He gave me a whopping kiss on my cheek and then proceeded to tell me how sorry Brit was that she couldn't come with him. He's totally smitten and it is a joy to behold to watch him talk about her. I think he is equally enthralled by her litter or Rottys. He's already told her he'll take any that don't get adopted. I can't help but grill him, "So things are good? Could this get serious?"