Pierce: How’s Iceland? Icy?
Four hours later.
Pierce: I think you’re testing my resolve. Text me when you can.
The next morning.
Artie: Iceland is icy (I’m taking your pun and running with it)
Pierce: How are the reshoots?
Artie: Disaster. The crew’s equipment got stolen.
Pierce: WTF
Artie: Also, the intern who left the trailer unlocked as easy pickings was let go.
Pierce: Seems reasonable.
Artie: Considering this is the second time it happened, then yes.
Pierce: Was it insured?
Artie: Thankfully, yes. And we hadn’t begun shooting yet, so nothing on that front was lost. Though, I hope when you’re trolling eBay for new camera equipment, you’ll recognize ours and buy it.
Pierce: Next time I buy my stuff off eBay, I’ll be sure to let you know.
Artie: *laughing emoji* Thanks.
Pierce: I’m guessing you haven’t been to bed yet.
Artie: Nope. Not yet. I basically landed and was pulled into the case of the missing equipment.
Pierce: Well, then I should let you go and get some rest. I’ll text you tomorrow.
Artie: Pierce?
Pierce: Yeah?
Artie: *photo*
Pierce:
Artie: Did you not get it?
Pierce:
Artie: Pierce?
Pierce: I’m . . . holy shit, sweetheart. I think you just made my century with that.
Artie: *blushing emoji*
Pierce: Am I going to get to see that outfit in person?
Artie: You mean me naked? Yes, I think that can be arranged.
Pierce: Thank you, sweet baby Jesus.
Artie: Good night—or day, anyway.
The next day
Artie: I hope that your phone is on Do Not Disturb. But I just wanted to tell you that the equipment was found!
Pierce: That’s awesome!
Artie: Oh shit, I woke you up, didn’t I?
Pierce: No. I was up. With my family being here, work has been nonexistent. I stayed up late and was trying to catch up.
Artie: Isn’t this supposed to be your week off?
Pierce: Technically.
Artie: And who’s the workaholic now?
Pierce: There isn’t any rest for the weary, at least when it comes to emails. But I’m actually just finishing up.
Artie: Well, then I’m going to let you go to sleep.
Pierce: You doing okay, sweetheart?
Artie: I’m a lot better than yesterday.
Pierce: Good.
Artie: Good night, Pierce.
A minute later
Artie: Oh, you still up?
Pierce: Yes, sweetheart.
Artie: I know I kind of suck at this dating thing. Texting in the middle of the night, taking a full day to reply back to you. But . . . it’s kind of nice knowing that you’re at the other end of the line.
Pierce: And that right there.
Artie: ? And what right there?
Pierce: You may think you don’t know how to be in a relationship, but your words tell me differently.
Artie: Oh.
Pierce: Yeah. Oh.
Artie:
Pierce: Goodnight, sweetheart.
Artie: Goodnight.