Sorry, that probably sounds cheesy.
Not at all. It sounds romantic. Maybe you’d let me read it?
My heart stops. It’s sweet that he’s interested. Micah’s never asked to read anything I’ve written.
Maybe.I keep my answer noncommittal.
What’s your favorite book?
Pride and Prejudice. I’ve read it about a million times.
I should have guessed that, given our discussion yesterday. What’s your favorite non-Jane Austen book?
I have to think about that.I love everything written by Michelle Pennington.
Ooh, name your favorite.
That’s a hard one. Probably A Man Worth Shaving For. It’s hilarious.
I change into my pajamas—an old T-shirt that might actually be one of Micah’s from high school—and climb into bed. I pull his jacket over me and sniff it again.
Great. I’ll read it.
I stare at my phone. That’s so sweet. Micah would never do that. I cringe. Why do I keep comparing River to Micah? I must stop that. I likeRiver. I repeat it in my head several more times before texting him back.
What about you? Any hobbies besides acting?
I like making videos and hiking. And I collect vintage movie posters.
That’s really cool.
What do you do for fun? Besides reading.
I pause, trying to think of something interesting to say. The truth is, most of my free time is spent with Micah. Watching movies with Micah. Helping him with his YouTube channel. Just being around Micah. Gah, I need a life.
I like movies and music. I think I told you Micah has a YouTube channel. I help him with that sometimes. He’s actually a really good musician.
That’s an understatement, proven by the crowd outside of his house this evening. Kiki said his latest video has blown up. I switch over to YouTube to check on it. Kiki was right. It’s got five and a half million views, and the likes are going up even as I stare at my screen.
Another text from River pulls me away from YouTube.
That’s nice that you’re so supportive of your friend’s dreams.
He’s really talented. I think he’s going to be super famous someday. He actually had fans outside of his house today.
Wow. Good for him. And you’re a good friend to him. It’s rare to find people who believe in their friends like that.
I stare at my phone, feeling a strange emptiness in my chest. River is saying all the right things. He’s complimentary and sweet and genuinely seems interested in getting to know me. So why am I still clutching Micah’s jacket?
I should probably get some sleep. Tomorrow’s going to be a busy day.
Of course. Sleep tight. I’m really looking forward to our date tomorrow.
Me too. Goodnight.
I set my phone on my nightstand and lie back against my pillows, pulling Micah’s jacket tighter around me. River is perfect on paper. He’s handsome, successful, charming. He actually wants to date me, which is more than I can say for a certain gray-eyed musician.
But as I close my eyes, it’s not River’s face I see. It’s Micah’s. The way he looked at me when I helped him through his panic attack. The way his eyes crinkled when he smiled at me. The way his lips felt on my cheeks, so soft and warm and perfect.
