Me: What’s the rush?
Roman: I miss you. I need to see you.
His honesty revs up my breathing as I imagine him in his apartment typing out those thoughts. Butterflies flutter all over my stomach as I read his words. A smile spreads across my face as I become eager to see him again.
Me: You saw me two days ago.
Roman: It’s never enough.
Me: Be there soon. XOXO
Roman: Be careful.
A few minutes later, I put on my coat and grab my purse, locking the door behind me. Practically running down the stairs, I burst out of the building and make my way to the subway. Even though it’s only February, the air is starting to warm up again. It’s only about thirty-five degrees today instead of the usual ten or fifteen during this time of year. The snowfall from last night has already begun to melt, leaving slush and puddles all over the city streets. I hate the slush. Taking extra precaution as I walk, I enter the subway terminal, sliding my Metro card into the pay station.
As the train approaches the platform, my cellphone chimes with another text. Looking down I read Gia’s text.
Gia: OMG! You are not going to believe what happened yesterday.
Me: Shouldn’t you be at work? What happened?
Gia: Yeah, I’m at work, which is why I’m texting you. Easton got fired!
Stepping onto the train, I find an empty seat and respond back.
Me: Fired? Why?
Gia: He showed up to work drunk. The past few months his attitude’s been shit. I told you he kept asking me about you and where you worked.
Shocked at her response, I’m glad Easton finally got his. He had it coming.
Me: Wow, that’s crazy. So they just let him go huh?
Gia: Of course! You can’t have a drunken doctor on the job. Good for him. Stupid prick.
Thinking back to the last time she mentioned him, a hint of worriedness creeps along my skin. Glancing around at the passengers, a sense of eyes watching me causes the hairs on my neck to stand. With no one looking suspicious around, I ask her a question.
Me: I thought he stopped asking about me. Was this recent?
Gia: No, he kept on until two weeks ago. I told him to fuck off or else I would complain.
Me: But you should’ve told me he was still asking about me.
Gia: I know. I’m sorry, but I didn’t want to upset you, especially with Roman around and everything.
I can’t be mad at her, even if I wanted to. I know she alw
ays has the best of intentions, even if at the time it’s the stupid thing to do.
Me: I understand. I’ll call you later okay?
Gia: Yea have fun with Roman tonight. ;)
Me: Don’t start.
Gia: Call me as soon as you can. I need the details!
I laugh as I read her last message and put away my phone in my purse. The train ride calms my nerves as it makes its way up north. Fifteen minutes later, I step off the train at the 77th street station and head toward the stairwell, hiking up toward the street. Walking north the few blocks, I glance around the neighborhood, filling my heart with the love of this city. I could never leave this place. It means too much to me.