The time ticks by agonizingly slowly until lunch, then somehow accelerates, so I barely have time to wolf down my sandwich before I have to head to my seat.
A text comes in just as I put my headset on, and I frown at the unfamiliar name.
BABE
Have you given it any thought?
Frowning, I scroll to the previous message, which is from me.
MIA
*kiss emoji*
I shake my head, but I can’t help but smile just ateenybit. I should’ve known Austin would put his name under somethingridiculous—and send himself a text I would never in my life choose to send him.
Part of me is also flattered he texted me at all. It makes it seem like his invitation to come on tourwasn’tjust a dramatic pickup line. Maybe.
MIA
Love the contact name you chose. Babe is my favorite pig of all time. After Peppa, of course. And Piglet. And Pumbaa. And Porky. And Miss Piggy. Miss Piggy was probably a more fitting option for you, given the whole diva connection you share. And the pig thing, obviously.
BABE
Is this your way of saying yes to coming on tour? PS Pumbaa is a warthog.
Mia
Warthogs are pigs too.
I don’t answer his question about the tour. I can’t bring myself to say yes, but I’m afraid if I say no, he’ll accept my answer, and I may end up regretting it.
There’s no answer on the line I’ve dialed, so I hang up and dial the next one, then watch the text thread on my cell phone for the three dots.
They don’t appear.
My stomach clenches. Is that it? Did I go too far?
Someone picks up on the line I’m on, and I set my phone down, reading from the script on my computer screen.
The call only lasts two minutes—they’re not interested. Shocking, I know.
After I end the call, I tap my phone screen, and my heart races at the sight of a text from Austin.
Babe
What are your plans tonight?
Wow. He’s asking me on a date. Is it possible to feel flattered and disappointed at the same time?
Babe
I thought you and I could chat about what the tour would be like. Having some details—dates and pay and all that—might make things a little clearer for you.
So…not a date. I think?
I hesitate, my fingers hovering over the keyboard. It couldn’t hurt to learn a bit more, right? Make an informed decision. It’s not like going means I have to say yes.
And yet, something in me wants to turn Austin down so badly.
