So? How was it? Are you walking or crawling today?
I laugh despite everything.
Me:
Haven’t tried to stand yet. Soooo… TBD.
I leave the chat, heart still racing, and that’s when I see it, a Veil notification.
My stomach twinges.
There is a message from last night.
@Halfwritten.
I’ve been thinking a lot about you lately.
I think it’s time we meet in person, coffee or whatever. There are a few things I need to open up with you about.
I exhale slowly. We’ve stayed friendly. Respectful. He’s been nothing but understanding and kind since I admitted I had feelings for someone else. It feels safe to answer.
Me:
You know what? I think we should. I’m free later this week if you want to meet.
I wait for the typing dots.
Silence.
A soft ding sounds, not from my phone, but the nightstand on the other side of the bed. Rogue’s phone lights up, then goes dark again.
My chest tightens.
My brain tries to rationalize it, coincidence, glitch, wrong sound, but my body knows.
My heart knows first.
I type again.
Me:
Let me know when works for you.
Another ding from his phone.
No.
No way.
My heartbeat punches my throat. I throw the covers back, crawl across the sheets to his side, eyes locked on his phone.
One more test.
Me:
Testing.
His screen lights up, same app, same sound, and everything freezes.
