Texts with Ian

What are you and your brother doing right now?

The Portlandiest things I could think of.

Oh?

Drinking Stumptown coffee while eating maple bacon bars from VooDoo Doughnuts and sitting in a kayak on the Willamette.

Got it.

Something wrong, Aust3n?

Nope. 

Sure? Are you weirded out by me and Boss hanging out right now while I’m texting you?

A little.

But we’re all friends.

Right. Friends.

Aren’t we friends, Aust3n?

I took a deep breath and tapped into my phone: I don’t know. 

He didn’t type anything for a few minutes. Then: Do you want us to be more than friends?

I don’t know.

I live 150 miles away from you.

I know.

And you broke up with me. And dated my brother.

I know. I don’t know if I quite get why you even want to be friends with me, honestly.

Isn’t it obvious?

Uhh…no.

Because, Aust3n.

?

Did you know that despite the awkwardness of Boss and I kissing the same girl, we both still can’t stop talking about you?

You can’t?

It’s weird, I’ll admit.

But you and your brother are…OK?

You’re not going to drive a wedge between us, if that’s what you’re worried about.

I think Boss might hate me.

Trust me, he doesn’t hate you.

Oh?

That’s all I’m allowed to say. He’s glaring at me.

He knows what you’re typing?

Yeah.

And he wants us to be friends?

Definitely.

And he still wants to be friends with me?

Mmmhmmm.

OK, then. I guess.

Aust3n?

Yeah?

Could I come visit you next weekend?

…as…friends?

Yes. Definitely.

And stay at my place, you mean?

Only if it’s alright with you. I can stay with Boss, but I’d rather hang out with you.

Oh.

Aust3n? Is it OK? Or not OK? You’re allowed to say no.

OK. I don’t know. Would it be weird if I asked Boss?

No.

No it wouldn’t be weird? Or no, this whole thing is weird?

This whole thing is weird, but that makes sense.

I think…I think I have to talk to Boss first. OK?

He’s not your boyfriend.

Trust me, I know. But he seems to hate me.

He doesn’t hate you, Aust3n.

OK.

OK. Talk to Boss. Get back to me.

 

He didn’t type anything else, and neither did I. And if we’re just friends, why do I feel like I just got into a big argument with my boyfriend?

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