Chapter 7: Reconnection
Alex texted me the next day. At first, our conversation was awkward, but he quickly brought up childhood stories, and we soon fell into a comfortable rhythm. [Remember how you used to love those soft pretzels from that corner stand? I spent all my allowance buying them for us–one each, but you’d eat yours fast and then take half of mine too.]
I blushed, remembering it was true.
I was kind of a brat as a kid. Alex looked tough, but he always gave in to me. Every time we played together, I’d boss him around.
When my legs hurt, I’d make him carry me. When I got hungry, I’d make him buy me snacks. When it rained, I’d make him hold his backpack over my head. Despite his rebellious appearance, he always did what I asked.
[I’ve been abroad for ages and just got back. No idea where the good places to eat
are anymore.]
I thought for a moment and recommended an old restaurant Jake and I used to frequent–it had been open for years, since we were in school.
[Sounds perfect. Want to join me?]
He added: [You owe me so many soft pretzels. Time to pay up, don’t you think?] I couldn’t refuse. [Sure, but I’m buying.]
