He has had all day.
"I'm sixteen all over again. Only this time, there is actually a guy I'm waiting for, someone real."
Before the whole pool thing in the backyard I entered illegally, Alex texted me every day. Sometimes, just to chat. Sometimes, to flirt. Other times, to ask how I was or even just to wish me sweet dreams.
My heart, my stupid heart, aches, and a spot in my chest grows cold.
Maybe there was never a connection, and?—
My phone lights up.
I suck down the sudden surge of excitement. It is probably Ruby...
I look at it.
Not Ruby.
My heart thuds hard.
I don't recognize the number, but I know who it is.
Alex
I'm hurt you didn't save my number.
My heart dances in my chest.
I don't think I realized until this very moment how much I enjoy our conversations.
Me
Thought I had. I broke my phone.
Alex
Really? What did you do? Throw it from a tenth-floor window?
Heat warms my cheeks even though there is no one to see me, and I sit up, pulling my legs up on the sofa and sitting cross-legged as a thrill loaded with shame shoots through me.
Me
Something like that.
No way am I telling him what really happened, that I smashed it in a fit of panic.
Alex
Did you check the cloud, since it sounds like you messed it right up.
Me
Yep.
Alex
Still...
I take a breath, holding it as I wait for his next text.
