Wednesday, November 19

(6:09pm) (Outgoing call - no answer)

(6:14pm) I thought you said you’d be done by 6

(6:19pm) Done with the work part of the day but some of my old coworkers from the Detroit office wanted to get drinks at the hotel bar

(6:20pm) Will you call me when you get back to your room?  Missed the sound of your voice

(6:22pm) And miss you saying goodnight to me? Never 😍

(6:24pm) Favorite part of my day

----------------------------------------------

(9:09pm) Joel?

(9:11pm) Yes, sweetheart?

(9:12pm) Why haven't we had sex yet?

(9:12pm) (Outgoing call - no answer)

(9:13pm) (Outgoing call - no answer)

(9:14pm) Still at the bar

(9:14pm) Still? It’s past 9

(9:15pm) Drinks turned into dinner, dinner turned into dessert, dessert turned into more drinks

(9:16pm) You didn’t answer my question

(9:16pm) Not sure how to respond 

(9:17pm) Do you find me attractive?

(9:17pm) C’mon now. You know I do. 

(9:17pm) Then what is it?

(9:18pm) I just don’t want to mess this up 

(9:18pm) Joel…

(9:18pm) That’s not fair.  You know I’m a sucker for when you say my name.

(9:19pm) All I’m saying is that I want you to be comfortable I don’t want you to think that I’m pressuring you

(9:19pm) If anything it feels like I’m the one pressuring you…

(9:20pm) I am very much a willing participant

(9:20pm) So, you do think about me like that?

(9:20pm) All the time

(9:21pm) Do you…

(9:21pm) Do I what?

(9:23pm) I’m not sure how crude i’m allowed to be with you

(9:24pm) It’s gonna take a lot to send me running

(9:25pm) Do you think about me when you touch yourself?

(9:25pm) Baby…

(9:26pm) Just a simple yes or no

(9:26pm) I’m only human

(9:28pm) Tell me what you think about

(9:28pm) Cmon now. You’re out with your friends

(9:28pm) I’m being a bad friend and ignoring them

(9:29pm) Just call me when you get back to the room and we can continue this conversation

(9:29pm) Or you can just tell me now

(9:30pm) Here, let's make a deal You tell me what you think about And I'll call you later on and tell you what I think about

(9:31pm) I don’t know what to say

(9:31pm) Just tell me what you think about 

(9:32pm) I’ll try

----------------------------------------------

(9:36pm) There’s a lot of typing going on over there

(9:37pm) Do you want me to tell you or not?

(9:37pm) Sorry, please continue

(9:38pm) Gotta restart now

(9:38pm) You didn’t just copy what you had written?

(9:39pm) I don’t know how to do that

(9:39pm) 🤐

(9:39pm) Mhm. Keep laughing

(9:39pm) You make it too easy

(9:40pm) You know I ain’t good at texting

(9:40pm) No? Because I’m pretty sure that’s how you scored your girlfriend

(9:41pm) You like my dopey way of texting?

(9:41pm) Yes Now, please go back to your super long text that you were sending me.

(9:42pm) It’s nothing crazy.  I just think about kissing you all over. 

(9:42pm) It took you that long to type that?

(9:43pm) I aint done

(9:43pm) No?

(9:43pm) No Just not good at this

(9:44pm) At sexting?

(9:44pm) Is that what they call this?

(9:44pm) Yes, old man

(9:45pm) Not that old

(9:45pm) Would it help if I said I'll be on my best behavior?

(9:45pm) Probably not

(9:46pm) I promise

(9:47pm) Now, can you just try? For me? 🥺

(9:48pm) Why can’t we just wait and have sex like normal people?

(9:48pm) Because i’m thinking about you now…when i’m a million miles away

(9:50pm) Can you…help?

(9:50pm) Stop thinking too hard You’re stuck in your head

(9:51pm) It doesn’t have to be perfect Just tell me When you’re alone and you have your hand wrapped around yourself, what do you think about?

(9:52pm)  You under me

(9:52pm) Okay, good.  And are there clothes involved?

(9:53pm) Not usually

(9:53pm) And what are you doing?

(9:54pm) Kissing your neck and making you arch your back like you do when we make out. 

(9:54pm) You like that?

(9:54pm) I love it

(9:55pm) Good to know.

(9:55pm) What's next?

(9:56pm) I’d slide my leg between yours

(9:56pm) Good (9:57pm) and feel how turned on you were (9:57pm) and you’d feel how…hard I was for you

(9:58pm) Joel…

(9:58pm) Nuh-uh. You asked, and I’m answering

(9:58pm) So keep going

(9:59pm) I’d kiss you until you’re blue in the face.  Always wanna be kissing you.

(9:59pm) Maybe tease you a little

(9:59pm) Tease me how?

(10:00pm) Baby…

(10:00pm) I thought you were answering.

(10:01pm) I don’t know what words to use

(10:01pm) You can say the word cock, Joel. It’s not gonna kill you. and it’s certainly not gonna scare me off.

(10:02pm) Jesus Christ

(10:02pm) Is nowhere near this conversation. Now please continue

(10:02pm) Bossy

(10:03pm) Stop stalling

(10:03pm) Fine

(10:04pm) I’d tease you with my….cock

(10:04pm) Let you rub against it a little bit, get it nice and…wet

(10:05pm) The dramatic pauses are unnecessary but continue

(10:05pm) Baby, I'm trying here.

(10:06pm) You said you were gonna be on your best behavior

(10:06pm) You’re right. I’m sorry. 

(10:06pm) You gonna make fun of me again?

(10:06pm) No

(10:07pm) Good

(10:07pm) girl

(10:08pm) I’m sorry?

(10:08pm) Good girl…

(10:09pm) You like being called that?

(10:09pm) I don't know, but i imagined you saying it and my heart went from 1 to 100 real fast

(10:10pm) I’d kill to have you here with me right now 

(10:10pm) One more day and then I’m back in Texas

(10:10pm) Will you keep going for me, Joel?

(10:11pm) I’m doing ok?

(10:11pm) More than.

(10:12pm) You were saying that you’d tease me with your cock get it nice and wet

(10:13pm) Jesus, yeah Or maybe use my hand

(10:14pm) Let my thumb figure out how sensitive you are

(10:14pm) Start working two fingers inside you

(10:14pm) Maybe this wasn’t a good idea

(10:15pm) Shit, I’m sorry.  I knew I was bad at this

(10:15pm) NO.  God no. The opposite

(10:15pm) I’m getting a little too worked up 

(10:15pm) Oh.

(10:16pm) Do you want me to stop?

(10:16pm) Fuck, Joel

(10:17pm) Bet you’d sound real pretty saying that in my ear

(10:18pm) I’m blushing I’m beet red and blushing

(10:18pm) Is that it?

(10:19pm) What do you mean?

(10:19pm) Are you wet? Thinking about me touching you?

(10:19pm) JOEL

(10:20pm) How did you go from ‘I don't know if I’m good at this’ to….THAT in five minutes

(10:20pm) It’s a real ego boost to hear your girl getting worked up over you

(10:20pm) Touche

(10:21pm) Are you going to answer my question?

(10:22pm) Soaked, Joel. My panties are soaked and I am in public with my colleagues

(10:22pm) Good

(10:23pm) So, two fingers inside you, my thumb on your clit

(10:23pm) Do I need more than two? 

(10:23pm) Subtle

(10:23pm) It’s a legitimate question

(10:24pm) You’re fishing

(10:24pm) I’m not

(10:24pm) All you have to do is ask

(10:24pm) Is that not what I’m doing?

(10:25pm) Just ask the question you actually want to ask

(10:25pm) How is this somehow worse?

(10:26pm) Worse than telling me your panties are soaked?

(10:26pm) I’ve released a monster…

(10:26pm) I would make a pun but it would be in poor taste

(10:27pm) Joel, I swear to god

(10:27pm) I’m sorry. You got me feeling like I’m 16 all over again

(10:27pm) Apparently.  Jesus.

(10:28pm) It would probably be in your best interest to go up to three fingers

(10:28pm) I’m dizzy

(10:28pm) Baby, you okay?

(10:29pm) Keep talking, you asshole (10:29pm) Baby? What did I do?

(10:29pm) Joel, please

(10:30pm) Are you mad at me?

(10:30pm) No. Please keep talking.

(10:30pm) Oh. 

(10:31pm) Three fingers. You said I needed three.

(10:31pm) Yeah, baby. Three fingers inside you.

(10:31pm) I’d let you feel the stretch. Work you open slow

(10:32pm) Could you come from just my fingers?

(10:32pm) yes

(10:32pm) That was fast

(10:33pm) Yes, Joel. I would come from your fingers. Please keep going

(10:33pm) Baby, are you sure you’re okay?

(10:34pm) I am in the restaurant bathroom getting myself off because I can’t just sit there and do nothing while you talk such filth to me and now you’re going to be insufferable about it but i don’t care.

(10:34pm) I’m so close, Joel

(10:34pm) (Outgoing call)

“I cannot do this with you right now.”

“If anyone hears me…”

“You don’t have to say anything, baby. Just listen.”

(zipper opens)

“…are you?”

“Yeah”

“Fuck”

“After you come on my fingers, I’d still want to make love to you.”

“Do you think you can do that for me? Come again?”

“Yes”

“Good girl”

Your breath hitches and you shove the meaty part of your palm in your mouth to keep from moaning.

“I wanna go nice and slow. Feel your fingers dig into my back as you moan into my ear.”

“I’d tell you that you’re doing good. Real good.”

“I’d kiss you, but it wouldn’t be all sweet. Not then, not while i’m inside you.”

“…Joel”

“Shh, quiet, baby. Someone’s gonna hear”

“I don’t care. I’m so close”

“Just from listening to me talk?”

“You don’t get it. I’ve been worked up for weeks now. “

“and you’re so sweet in person.”

“So polite and proper and god, you literally asked if you could put your hand under my shirt I just–”

“I want you so bad”

“I want you too, baby”

“Let me make you come. How can I get you there?”

“Keep talking. Please, Joel. Just keep talking.”

“Okay, baby. Okay.”

“Fuck. I’m touching myself thinking about you.”

“Thinking about how you’d be so warm and tight around me.”

“How I’d lift one of your legs a little higher just so i could get in a little deeper”

“Oh god, Joel”

“Tell me, baby. Is that what you want?”

“You want me inside you? Want me to touch your clit while I’m fuckin’ you?”

“Yes–”

“I’m gonna come, baby.”

“Fuck—I’m so fucking close. Are you close?”

“I’m so close, Joel.”

“Come with me, baby.” 

“Come with me, please. Need to hear you come.”

“Joel–I–I–”

You press your palm tight against your mouth as the wave crashes over you. Your eyes squeeze shut and you’re forced to grab the railing for balance. You can hear the erratic sounds of his hand moving faster as he strokes his cock.

“Just like that, baby. Just like. You sound so good.”

Joel takes in a sharp inhale and then lets out a deep groan as he follows you, his orgasm hitting him hard, making his eyes roll back.

Your whole body shakes as you fight to stay quiet, breath coming in sharp, frantic bursts through your nose. Your thighs press together tightly and your knuckles turn white from where they still grip the railing.

A few moments pass.

“So…how’d I do?”

“The day I get back, I'm not letting you leave the bed.”

“Whatever you say, sweetheart.”

Wednesday, November 19

(6:09pm) (Outgoing call - no answer)

(6:14pm) I thought you said you’d be done by 6

(6:19pm) Done with the work part of the day but some of my old coworkers from the Detroit office wanted to get drinks at the hotel bar

(6:20pm) Will you call me when you get back to your room?  Missed the sound of your voice

(6:22pm) And miss you saying goodnight to me? Never 😍

(6:24pm) Favorite part of my day

----------------------------------------------

(9:09pm) Joel?

(9:11pm) Yes, sweetheart?

(9:12pm) Why haven't we had sex yet?

(9:12pm) (Outgoing call - no answer)

(9:13pm) (Outgoing call - no answer)

(9:14pm) Still at the bar

(9:14pm) Still? It’s past 9

(9:15pm) Drinks turned into dinner, dinner turned into dessert, dessert turned into more drinks

(9:16pm) You didn’t answer my question

(9:16pm) Not sure how to respond 

(9:17pm) Do you find me attractive?

(9:17pm) C’mon now. You know I do. 

(9:17pm) Then what is it?

(9:18pm) I just don’t want to mess this up 

(9:18pm) Joel…

(9:18pm) That’s not fair.  You know I’m a sucker for when you say my name.

(9:19pm) All I’m saying is that I want you to be comfortable I don’t want you to think that I’m pressuring you

(9:19pm) If anything it feels like I’m the one pressuring you…

(9:20pm) I am very much a willing participant

(9:20pm) So, you do think about me like that?

(9:20pm) All the time

(9:21pm) Do you…

(9:21pm) Do I what?

(9:23pm) I’m not sure how crude i’m allowed to be with you

(9:24pm) It’s gonna take a lot to send me running

(9:25pm) Do you think about me when you touch yourself?

(9:25pm) Baby…

(9:26pm) Just a simple yes or no

(9:26pm) I’m only human

(9:28pm) Tell me what you think about

(9:28pm) Cmon now. You’re out with your friends

(9:28pm) I’m being a bad friend and ignoring them

(9:29pm) Just call me when you get back to the room and we can continue this conversation

(9:29pm) Or you can just tell me now

(9:30pm) Here, let's make a deal You tell me what you think about And I'll call you later on and tell you what I think about

(9:31pm) I don’t know what to say

(9:31pm) Just tell me what you think about 

(9:32pm) I’ll try

----------------------------------------------

(9:36pm) There’s a lot of typing going on over there

(9:37pm) Do you want me to tell you or not?

(9:37pm) Sorry, please continue

(9:38pm) Gotta restart now

(9:38pm) You didn’t just copy what you had written?

(9:39pm) I don’t know how to do that

(9:39pm) 🤐

(9:39pm) Mhm. Keep laughing

(9:39pm) You make it too easy

(9:40pm) You know I ain’t good at texting

(9:40pm) No? Because I’m pretty sure that’s how you scored your girlfriend

(9:41pm) You like my dopey way of texting?

(9:41pm) Yes Now, please go back to your super long text that you were sending me.

(9:42pm) It’s nothing crazy.  I just think about kissing you all over. 

(9:42pm) It took you that long to type that?

(9:43pm) I aint done

(9:43pm) No?

(9:43pm) No Just not good at this

(9:44pm) At sexting?

(9:44pm) Is that what they call this?

(9:44pm) Yes, old man

(9:45pm) Not that old

(9:45pm) Would it help if I said I'll be on my best behavior?

(9:45pm) Probably not

(9:46pm) I promise

(9:47pm) Now, can you just try? For me? 🥺

(9:48pm) Why can’t we just wait and have sex like normal people?

(9:48pm) Because i’m thinking about you now…when i’m a million miles away

(9:50pm) Can you…help?

(9:50pm) Stop thinking too hard You’re stuck in your head

(9:51pm) It doesn’t have to be perfect Just tell me When you’re alone and you have your hand wrapped around yourself, what do you think about?

(9:52pm)  You under me

(9:52pm) Okay, good.  And are there clothes involved?

(9:53pm) Not usually

(9:53pm) And what are you doing?

(9:54pm) Kissing your neck and making you arch your back like you do when we make out. 

(9:54pm) You like that?

(9:54pm) I love it

(9:55pm) Good to know.

(9:55pm) What's next?

(9:56pm) I’d slide my leg between yours

(9:56pm) Good (9:57pm) and feel how turned on you were (9:57pm) and you’d feel how…hard I was for you

(9:58pm) Joel…

(9:58pm) Nuh-uh. You asked, and I’m answering

(9:58pm) So keep going

(9:59pm) I’d kiss you until you’re blue in the face.  Always wanna be kissing you.

(9:59pm) Maybe tease you a little

(9:59pm) Tease me how?

(10:00pm) Baby…

(10:00pm) I thought you were answering.

(10:01pm) I don’t know what words to use

(10:01pm) You can say the word cock, Joel. It’s not gonna kill you. and it’s certainly not gonna scare me off.

(10:02pm) Jesus Christ

(10:02pm) Is nowhere near this conversation. Now please continue

(10:02pm) Bossy

(10:03pm) Stop stalling

(10:03pm) Fine

(10:04pm) I’d tease you with my….cock

(10:04pm) Let you rub against it a little bit, get it nice and…wet

(10:05pm) The dramatic pauses are unnecessary but continue

(10:05pm) Baby, I'm trying here.

(10:06pm) You said you were gonna be on your best behavior

(10:06pm) You’re right. I’m sorry. 

(10:06pm) You gonna make fun of me again?

(10:06pm) No

(10:07pm) Good

(10:07pm) girl

(10:08pm) I’m sorry?

(10:08pm) Good girl…

(10:09pm) You like being called that?

(10:09pm) I don't know, but i imagined you saying it and my heart went from 1 to 100 real fast

(10:10pm) I’d kill to have you here with me right now 

(10:10pm) One more day and then I’m back in Texas

(10:10pm) Will you keep going for me, Joel?

(10:11pm) I’m doing ok?

(10:11pm) More than.

(10:12pm) You were saying that you’d tease me with your cock get it nice and wet

(10:13pm) Jesus, yeah Or maybe use my hand

(10:14pm) Let my thumb figure out how sensitive you are

(10:14pm) Start working two fingers inside you

(10:14pm) Maybe this wasn’t a good idea

(10:15pm) Shit, I’m sorry.  I knew I was bad at this

(10:15pm) NO.  God no. The opposite

(10:15pm) I’m getting a little too worked up 

(10:15pm) Oh.

(10:16pm) Do you want me to stop?

(10:16pm) Fuck, Joel

(10:17pm) Bet you’d sound real pretty saying that in my ear

(10:18pm) I’m blushing I’m beet red and blushing

(10:18pm) Is that it?

(10:19pm) What do you mean?

(10:19pm) Are you wet? Thinking about me touching you?

(10:19pm) JOEL

(10:20pm) How did you go from ‘I don't know if I’m good at this’ to….THAT in five minutes

(10:20pm) It’s a real ego boost to hear your girl getting worked up over you

(10:20pm) Touche

(10:21pm) Are you going to answer my question?

(10:22pm) Soaked, Joel. My panties are soaked and I am in public with my colleagues

(10:22pm) Good

(10:23pm) So, two fingers inside you, my thumb on your clit

(10:23pm) Do I need more than two? 

(10:23pm) Subtle

(10:23pm) It’s a legitimate question

(10:24pm) You’re fishing

(10:24pm) I’m not

(10:24pm) All you have to do is ask

(10:24pm) Is that not what I’m doing?

(10:25pm) Just ask the question you actually want to ask

(10:25pm) How is this somehow worse?

(10:26pm) Worse than telling me your panties are soaked?

(10:26pm) I’ve released a monster…

(10:26pm) I would make a pun but it would be in poor taste

(10:27pm) Joel, I swear to god

(10:27pm) I’m sorry. You got me feeling like I’m 16 all over again

(10:27pm) Apparently.  Jesus.

(10:28pm) It would probably be in your best interest to go up to three fingers

(10:28pm) I’m dizzy

(10:28pm) Baby, you okay?

(10:29pm) Keep talking, you asshole (10:29pm) Baby? What did I do?

(10:29pm) Joel, please

(10:30pm) Are you mad at me?

(10:30pm) No. Please keep talking.

(10:30pm) Oh. 

(10:31pm) Three fingers. You said I needed three.

(10:31pm) Yeah, baby. Three fingers inside you.

(10:31pm) I’d let you feel the stretch. Work you open slow

(10:32pm) Could you come from just my fingers?

(10:32pm) yes

(10:32pm) That was fast

(10:33pm) Yes, Joel. I would come from your fingers. Please keep going

(10:33pm) Baby, are you sure you’re okay?

(10:34pm) I am in the restaurant bathroom getting myself off because I can’t just sit there and do nothing while you talk such filth to me and now you’re going to be insufferable about it but i don’t care.

(10:34pm) I’m so close, Joel

(10:34pm) (Outgoing call)

“I cannot do this with you right now.”

“If anyone hears me…”

“You don’t have to say anything, baby. Just listen.”

(zipper opens)

“…are you?”

“Yeah”

“Fuck”

“After you come on my fingers, I’d still want to make love to you.”

“Do you think you can do that for me? Come again?”

“Yes”

“Good girl”

Your breath hitches and you shove the meaty part of your palm in your mouth to keep from moaning.

“I wanna go nice and slow. Feel your fingers dig into my back as you moan into my ear.”

“I’d tell you that you’re doing good. Real good.”

“I’d kiss you, but it wouldn’t be all sweet. Not then, not while i’m inside you.”

“…Joel”

“Shh, quiet, baby. Someone’s gonna hear”

“I don’t care. I’m so close”

“Just from listening to me talk?”

“You don’t get it. I’ve been worked up for weeks now. “

“and you’re so sweet in person.”

“So polite and proper and god, you literally asked if you could put your hand under my shirt I just–”

“I want you so bad”

“I want you too, baby”

“Let me make you come. How can I get you there?”

“Keep talking. Please, Joel. Just keep talking.”

“Okay, baby. Okay.”

“Fuck. I’m touching myself thinking about you.”

“Thinking about how you’d be so warm and tight around me.”

“How I’d lift one of your legs a little higher just so i could get in a little deeper”

“Oh god, Joel”

“Tell me, baby. Is that what you want?”

“You want me inside you? Want me to touch your clit while I’m fuckin’ you?”

“Yes–”

“I’m gonna come, baby.”

“Fuck—I’m so fucking close. Are you close?”

“I’m so close, Joel.”

“Come with me, baby.” 

“Come with me, please. Need to hear you come.”

“Joel–I–I–”

You press your palm tight against your mouth as the wave crashes over you. Your eyes squeeze shut and you’re forced to grab the railing for balance. You can hear the erratic sounds of his hand moving faster as he strokes his cock.

“Just like that, baby. Just like. You sound so good.”

Joel takes in a sharp inhale and then lets out a deep groan as he follows you, his orgasm hitting him hard, making his eyes roll back.

Your whole body shakes as you fight to stay quiet, breath coming in sharp, frantic bursts through your nose. Your thighs press together tightly and your knuckles turn white from where they still grip the railing.

A few moments pass.

“So…how’d I do?”

“The day I get back, I'm not letting you leave the bed.”

“Whatever you say, sweetheart.”

chapter masterlist.

part one

part two

part three

drabbles

virtual daydream

more about the fic.

read on a03

listen to the playlist

Monday, July 7

(9:16am) Good morning How’s your day looking?

(12:09pm) Guessing you’re busy

(2:34pm) Look, if I said too much last night…just tell me

------------------------------------------------

(4:03pm) I can take Sarah back on up to school if you need it

(4:11pm) Nah, I wanna take her Thanks, Tommy

------------------------------------------------

(7:47pm) Aint trying to crowd you, just…say something so I know you’re alright.

(10:06pm) Goodnight.

Tuesday, July 8

(8:31am) Morning

(10:56am) Hope you’re okay

(10:34pm) Goodnight

Wednesday, July 9

(8:19am) Morning.

(3:36pm) I keep staring at the last thing you sent me. Trying to figure out if there’s some hidden goodbye in it I missed.

------------------------------------------------

(4:12pm) You alright?

(4:21pm) I shoulda kept my damn mouth shut Aint heard a word from her in 3 days

(4:23pm) Maybe she’s just busy, brother

(4:37pm) I scared her off. That’s the truth of it. The hell with me for thinking i could have something good

----------------------------------------------

(9:18pm) Reckon I got the message I’ll quit bothering you now.

----------------------------------------------

(10:47pm) Can you show me how to block a number?

(10:51pm still nothing?

(10:52pm) Nope

(10:52pm) i’ll facetime you tomorrow and show you my roommates asleep

(10:53pm) Alright I'll call after work

(10:54pm) goodnight, dad ❤️

(10:57pm) Night

Thursday, July 10

(9:28am) Hey

(9:32am) Didn’t think I'd hear from you again

(9:35am) I’m sorry I didn’t mean to disappear

(9:37am) Are you okay?

(9:40am) I’m hanging in there

(9:41am) Did something happen?

(9:43am) I'm sorry if I crossed a line or said something I shouldn’t

(9:45am) It wasn’t you, Joel

(9:47am) Then what?

(9:49am) You don’t gotta tell me, but I kinda lost my head

(9:52am) I know and I'm sorry I made you think it was you

(9:54am) Didn’t take much for my head to go there

(9:55am) It was just bad timing

(9:56am) You’re alright though? You’re safe?

----------------------------------------------

(outgoing call)

“Shit– hello?”

“...Hi”

“Gimme just a sec. I’m out on the job site and I can’t hear a damn thing”

“Where are you going? We have a lumber delivery in 20 minutes” 

“I got to take this call. Bill’s already been paid and you can handle signing the drop sheet.”

“Still there?”

“Still here”

“I wasn’t sure you’d even pick up.”

“I’m a little surprised that you called”

“Not that I’m complaining”

“Everything alright?”

“No. Not really. That’s why I disappeared.”

“I couldn’t stop thinking about how James, that– that’s my ex… found me here in Austin. Especially the other night at Metz Park. And then, he — he texted me. I didn’t even know how he got my number. I thought I had every number blocked. But it popped up and it was him and I just—”

“It felt like the floor dropped out under me and I panicked. So I shut down. I shut you out. I’m sorry, Joel.”

“Don’t you go apologizing to me now. Not for that.”

“...okay”

“Did you find out how he knew where to find you?”

(sigh)

“It was my mom of all people.”

“Your mom?”

“She always had a soft spot for him. Never understood why I left. She was using my location from my Find My Friends...”

“Jesus. That’s—goddamn, darlin’. That just ain’t right.”

“So, now I’m just trying to navigate what’s next.”

“Is there anything I can do? 

“Thank you, but no. I’ve got to deal with him on my own.”

“You’ll be careful though?”

“Yeah, I’ll be careful. I promise”

“Just…if you need me – any time, any place – you call. Or text.”

“Thank you, Joel.”

“Just want you safe”

(knocking) “C’mon boss man, we’re losing daylight.”

“I gotta head back.”

“Text me later?”

“Try and stop me.”

----------------------------------------------

(10:32am) knew she’d text you

(10:51am) Shut up

----------------------------------------------

(10:44am) 🙃

(10:53am) Well, look who's back from the land of the dead

(10:54am) I have so much to catch you up on

(10:54am) Lunch?

(10:54am) Please.

(10:55am) Give me one tiny detail to make it through my morning?

(10:57am) Joel has a hot voice

(10:57am) ❗❗❗

----------------------------------------------

(8:46pm) Long day at work. I aint gonna be up too much longer

(8:49pm) That’s alright, I’m pretty tired myself

(8:52pm) I can’t believe I actually got to hear your voice

(8:52pm) I can’t believe I actually got to hear YOUR voice

(8:53pm) Hope I didn’t disappoint.

(9:08pm) You didn’t. Not even close.

(9:08pm) Hearing your voice about knocked the wind outta me

(9:10pm) That's funny, I was thinking the same thing

(9:11pm) You’re gonna make an old man turn red in the face

(9:12pm) Are you blushing, Joel?

(9:32pm) Go to sleep, trouble

(9:36pm) Goodnight ☺️

(9:38pm) Goodnight

----------------------------------------------

(10:23pm) We should talk

(10:38pm) Let’s get drinks

Friday, July 11

(8:16am) Morning

(8:19am) Hey, you

(8:21am) You sound like you’re in a good mood

(8:21am) Went to bed smiling like an idiot

(8:22am) Oh yeah? Why’s that?

(8:22am) Just some guy that I’ve been talking to

(8:23am) He good to you?

(8:23am) He’s the sweetest

(8:25am) C’mon now… You’re gonna get me cheesing like an idiot The guys are gonna start asking questions

(8:27am) Have a good day at work 😘

(8:29am) Beet red and it's all your fault

----------------------------------------------

(10:36am) What time am I picking you up?

(10:38am) We’re meeting at 12:15 at Starbucks right around the corner, so 11:45?

(10:38am) 👍

----------------------------------------------

(8:11pm) Hey, you

(8:13pm) Hey 

(8:15pm) I did something today

(8:15pm) Oh?

(8:16pm) I met up with my ex

(8:16pm) Fuck Thought you said you were gonna be careful

(8:16pm) I had to, Joel. I needed to hear him admit it I needed proof

(8:17pm) Needed him to admit what?

(8:17pm) That he wasn’t going to stop

(8:19pm) Christ almighty That was a goddamn threat Plain as day

(8:20pm) I know you said you needed to deal with this on your own but my blood is boiling I’m fighting the urge to find this guy and shove my fist in his face

(8:20pm) Hey… I took care of it

(8:21pm) I went to the courts and filed a restraining order It can take up to 2 weeks but it’s done

(8:21pm) He's not gonna do anything stupid, right?

(8:22pm) No He may be an asshole, but he's not an idiot

(8:22pm) That’s the best news I’ve heard all day

(8:22pm) Joel

(8:23pm) Can I call you?

(8:23pm) You don’t have to ask

----------------------------------------------

(Outgoing call)

“Hey”

“Hey, yourself”

“What’s up?”

“Nothin’ really. Just wanted to hear your voice”

“Joel…”

“Now, what’d I tell you ‘bout that?”

“About what?”

“Sayin’ my name”

“You don’t like it?”

(pause)

“I love it”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah”

“You’re gonna make me blush”

“Good. ‘Bout time I got you back for all the times you’ve had me flustered”

(pause)

“What’re you doin’ right now?”

“Just getting ready for bed. Long day, you know?”

“Sure sounds like it”

“I'm real proud of you"

“Now don’t go making me sound like some kind of hero”

“I ain’t exaggeratin’. You stared that bastard in the face, got what you needed, and then you walked straight into a courthouse."

"That’s more grit than most folks could muster”

(pause)

“Wish I could be there now. Just sit with you and make sure you sleep easy after all that”

“Wouldn't that be nice…”

“Still feel like an ass. For that day at the coffeehouse"

"Walkin’ away from you like that...”

“Joel…”

"Just lemme..."

"You didn’t deserve that. I was… scared, I guess. Should’ve stayed. Should’ve looked you in the eye and told you what you mean to me instead of leavin’ you there”

"What I mean to you?"

"You really gonna make me say it?"

(pause)

"Fine then...I'm head over heels for the most beautiful girl I ever laid eyes on"

"Well, that's just not fair"

“No, I guess not"

"Best make it up to you real soon”

"You sure?”

“On my life"

(sigh)

“Listen…much as I like talkin' to you, I’m gonna head on up to bed."

"I’ll talk to you in the mornin’?”

“If you must”

“I'm a grumpy old man, sweetheart. Need to get some sleep otherwise I ain't much fun.”

“You? Fun?”

(laughs) Hey now…

“Night, Joel”

“Night”

Friday, July 12

(8:56am) Good morning  Got to the job site this morning and sure as shit three of my guys called out Wasn't going to be the only idiot putting work in on Saturday, so I gave everyone else the day off

(8:57am) too early

(8:57am) It's 9am

(8:57am) on a Saturday, Joel

(9:02am) You got any plans today?

(9:03am) You’re not gonna let me sleep any longer, are you?

(9:04am) No, no big plans today Just hanging out with a friend

(9:05am) No more secret plots?

(9:05am) No more secret plots

(9:06am) What about you?

(9:06am) Got a leaky faucet i’ve been meaning to get to Aint gonna fix itself

(9:07am) I should get up and get ready I'm meeting her in an hour

(9:08am) Have fun

(9:08am) Call me later?

(9:08am) Yes ma'am

------------------------------------------------

(1:12pm) There's a super cute guy standing in front of me…

(1:12pm) What about Kermit?

(1:12pm) What ABOUT Kermit?

(1:12pm) 🤐

(1:13pm) I'm gonna go for it

(1:13pm) Girl, I leave you alone for two whole minutes…

(1:19pm) What’s taking so long?

(1:20pm) Sorry...I got distracted by gelato and by the hot guy

------------------------------------------------

(1:17pm) I still got a faucet to fix

(1:17pm) Not my fault this place is packed today

(1:19pm) Where’d you go? I thought you were just going to the bathroom

(1:19pm) Got distracted

(1:20pm) Now’s not the time to be chasing tail

(1:20pm) Beg to differ

------------------------------------------------

(1:31pm) Are you goddamn deaf? I said that's the girl who asked me out

------------------------------------------------

(outgoing call)

“Hey. I thought you were gonna call me later. I’m still out with my friend.”

“Yeah, I know. Should only take a sec.”

“You havin’ a good day so far?”

“Yeah, we went to Barton Springs Pool like you suggested and now we’re getting Have a Taco.”

“How is it?”

“Haven’t tried it yet. It’s packed so we’re still waiting on our order.”

“Order for Joel”

(gasp)

“Did he just—”

“Yeah. That’d be me.”

“You’re here?"

"Here here?”

“Seems so. Didn’t mean to crash your lunch. Just wanted some tacos.”

(pause)

“Where are you?”

“Turn around.”

“What?”

“Turn around, baby.”

(pause)

“Hi”

“Joel…”