Of course not.
My mouth curves up.
Me
How are you? How’s the new place? Getting along with your new roommate?
The bubbles appear, then vanish about a dozen times until her response finally comes through.
Little Thief
Well, aren’t you just a little reporter.
Me
That’s not an answer.
I hit send, curious as to whether or not she’ll give me what I’m looking for. An actual response instead of evasion tactics even when I know I don’t deserve it.
Little Thief
I’m good. The place is amazing. And my new roommate is awesome, but I’m pretty sure any roommate would be better than my last one, if you know what I mean.
Me
How are your ribs? Still sore?
Little Thief
They’re okay. Definitely better than when I showed up at your place. As long as I’m keeping up on my pain meds and taking it easy at work, it isn’t terrible. Now, if only I could finish this Econ paper…
Me
Struggling, huh?
Little Thief
You have no idea. Tell me, do you actually read these things when you help Donahue grade papers, or do you phone it in?
Me
Do I seem like someone who would phone it in?
Little Thief
Until Halloween, I’d say yes. You definitely seem like someone who would half-ass it.
Ouch. Her candor hurts, though I don’t fault her for it. I can’t. It’s just another perk of being a self-entitled Harden. Even so, I can’t help my curiosity as I type my response.
Me
And now?
Little Thief
Mmm…let’s just say you’re not exactly the person I thought you were, but the jury’s still out.
My mouth curves up when another text comes through.
