As I fall asleep.
I even dream about him.
I text Mal during the breaks in my day. When I wake up. On the elliptical, at the gym. While I'm waiting for Danielle's coffee. While I'm waiting for a reply from Carrie. When I finish cataloging my first round of videos.
While I think up a new excuse for why I'm not putting in notice for Danielle.
As soon as I get home.
Before I boot up my computer.
Between episodes of TV.
Between emails with the video's producer.
Before I go to bed.
While I'm lying in bed, completely unable to sleep because I'm thinking about him.
Mostly, we talk about nothing—details of our days, our takes on the movies we watched together, teasing about my early bedtimes and his clean living.
I'm about to fall blissfully asleep when my phone buzzes.
Mal: Just got the news. We have a date for the Hurt Me, Baby release. First week of September.
Lacey: Okay. Good.
Mal: You nervous?
Lacey: Maybe.
He doesn't call me on it.
Lacey: I guess I'm out of time to quit my job, huh?
Mal: You haven't put in notice?
Lacey: I mean to. Every day, I mean to, but I can't seem to string the words together.
Mal: Do it tomorrow.
Lacey: Maybe.
Mal: I'll make it worth your while.
Lacey: I'm listening.
Mal: I want to celebrate with you, Lacey. But we can't celebrate with this hanging over your head.
Lacey: I disagree.
Mal: Text me when you've done it. I'll pick you up at eight.
Lacey: I didn't agree yet.
Mal: You want me to tie you up and spank you?
Lacey: Yes.