Her pout makes me think I shouldn’t have said that. “I was trying to do anicething.”
Oh dear. I think I offended her. I swallow down my irritation. I bring my phone to my face again. “Where’d you get this photo from?”
“I got it from your Instagram account. See, fifteen guys want to connect with you already.”
I blink slowly. I’m waiting for her to say she’s joking, but she doesn’t. “You didn’t...?” is all I can say because I’m reeling.
“You need it. Meet some new guys. Have fun.” She glances away. “I may have already swiped yes on one of them.”
My jaw drops. It just gets worse. “Who?”
“A guy called Axle.”
I scoff. “What an absurd name.”
“I’ve been on the app for a while, and I’ve never seen his profile. He recently joined, like you. He’s from Crown Village, and he’s so sexy. Trust me, you want to talk to him.”
“Well, why don’t you talk to him then?”
She pauses, then says, “It’s my gift to you. I’ve heard he’s good fun, and I think that’s what you need.” Her critical gaze runs over me again, but then she smiles. “You’re not getting married to the guy. Just talk to him.”
“How do you know him, and why do you say he’s fun?” I ask.
“I’ve seen him around. It’s a small town.” She takes a moment before she says, “He sticks to himself and his group of friends.”
“So he’s not some frat guy?”
She laughs. “No, definitely not... quite the opposite.”
The message icon at the top of the screen shows the number one above it. I hold my breath and let my finger hover over it for a second before I press on it.
Axle
Hey, how are you doing?
I just stare at the message.
“See... it’s not the end of the world,” Mel points out.
I get out of the message and click on his profile. He’s very handsome, and I’m sure he knows it. Short brown hair and a beard. His profile is minimal, like mine. It says he’s a mechanic and, according to his bio, “looking for someone special.” I melt a little at that. Maybe there are nice guys on the app after all.
I can’t deny I’m curious to talk to him. No one as handsome as him has ever shown an interest in me. “But I’m not looking for another relationship,” I say. I shove my phone back in my bag with more force than necessary. He must have gotten my profile mixed up with someone else’s.
When I get back to the house, it’s quiet. Everyone must be at class. After a shower, I lie on the bed. My stomach churns. I glance down at my bag beside the bed. I’m itching to grab my phone. My fingers tap on the bed until I can’t resist the urge any longer and give in to the temptation. I pull out my phone and with a deep breath, I unlock it and tap on the dating app.
I look at Axle’s profile picture once more. I should just delete the app, but I can’t stop myself from responding to his message:
I’m good, thank you. How are you?
I stare at the screen and place my phone on the nightstand, face down. I can’t believe I just did that. I replied to a stranger. I run my hand over my face. Mel could be right, even though it’s out of character for me. I should step out of my comfort zone and try to make friends.
My phone buzzes on the table. Here goes nothing...
Fantastic now that I’m talking to you ??
I stare blankly. I start typing and then delete it.
You’re beautiful babe. Your profile says you just moved here. Are you enjoying it?
