Penn:
Don’t get shy on me now, Olivia.
Olivia:
I’m not. I was just making sure no one could read your filthy message!
Penn:
Sure. Btw you look stunning ;)
Olivia:
Thank you. Are you having a good Christmas?
Penn:
Yes. Are you?
Olivia:
I am but I feel you owe me one now…you know a picture of what you’re wearing. Only seems fair.
I’m not sure what I’m doing, but Ellie would be so proud of my sudden, brazen behavior. Of course, it’s easier to hide behind a text message knowing he can’t see my face. Chad and I never sexted before. He never initiated it, and I was too afraid to try.
Penn:
You’re right. Fair is fair. But you’ll have to be patient.
Even his wink emoji sparks something inside me.
When my head lifts, my mom is glaring at me from across the table.
Olivia:
Fine. I have to go now my mother is staring at me.
Penn:
Bye, Barbie
My feet are killing me.
I mingled, danced, and listened intently as my mother’s friends rattled on about their children in college. As if it wasn’t obvious, my mother was trying to win a nonexistent competition of which one of them should be the proudest.
As soon as I’m back in my room, I sling my shoes across thefloor, tear off my dress, and slip into my new silk pajamas. It takes me a few minutes to scrub the makeup off my face and brush my teeth. When I finally crawl into bed, I’m sure I’m going to pass out instantly, but then my phone rings.
I stare at the screen as a FaceTime request rings and rings.
Penn is FaceTiming me. Why is he FaceTiming me? I already took my makeup off, and my hair is piled in a messy bun on my head. Why couldn’t he have called ten minutes ago?
Deciding to leave the camera off, I answer. “Hi.”
“Why is your camera off?” he asks, throwing me off guard.
“I-I’m in bed,” I stammer.
“That doesn’t answer my question. I want to see you. Turn it on.”
