I’m not sure what to make of the idea of these two planning a surprise, but I decide that not being enthusiastic would hurt both of their feelings and dim their shine. If they want to spend a day off doing surprise things, who am I to argue?
I hurry to finish my coffee and swing my legs out of bed.
“That sounds amazing.” I kiss Flint’s cheek lightly as I pass by, shutting the bathroom door behind me.
‘Why are you so red?’is the last thing I hear Calida ask Flint before their conversation is drowned out by my shower music and the rush of water.
I finish getting ready, hoping that Flint hasn’t gotten it into his head to take me to a fancy brunch or something. Not only am I leery of anything fancy — my klutz skills always seem to make an appearance at the worst possible time — but I am definitely not dressed for fancy. I throw on jeans with holes worn in both knees, a pair of sneakers and leave my hair loose, still damp from the shower. A t-shirt proclaiming that I’m a feral reader completes the ensemble, with a zip up hoodie thrown over my arm as a nod to the chill in the morning air. Slap on some minimal makeup to make myself feel better, and I’m set.
When I come out of the bathroom, Flint is leaning against the door to the apartment and Calida is nowhere in sight. A giant Ikea-sized tote bag sits at his feet, but I can’t tell what he has in there.
In his hand, he holds my phone.
My heart starts to sink as he raises his eyes from the screen. I don’t know what the expression on his face is.
“What are you doing?” I ask.
“I’m reading a fucking mess of threatening bullshit. Your phone wouldn’t stop going off. I thought someone was in trouble. What the fuck is this, Casie?”
He holds out my phone, showing me the screen. My heart finishes its trip to my stomach before bouncing up and settling in my throat. There are pages now. No more slightly creepy flirty and unasked for crotch shots. Whoever is messaging me, they’re getting more unhinged.
Unknown Number
9:13 PM: You looked tired today. Maybe you're not sleeping well. I could help with that.
Unknown Number
11:22 AM: That book you recommended at the counter? I read it in one night. You have such good taste. I bet you'd be just as good in bed.
Unknown Number
3:41 PM: Red suits you. But next time, maybe don’t bend over so far. It’s not safe to tempt people like that.
Unknown Number
6:09 PM: You smiled at that guy in the café. Did he earn it? Or are you just easy?
Unknown Number
1:17 AM: I saw you with him. Every kiss. Every moan. You should close your curtains if you want privacy. I’m going to make you pay. Make you scream.
Unknown Number
2:33 PM: Why do you pretend not to know me? We’re so connected. I could reach out and touch you any time I want.
He scrolls down to the most recent texts, sent while I was in the shower.
Unknown Number
10:58 AM: You think you’re safe in that shop. But locks are just suggestions. You won’t even hear me coming.
Unknown Number
10:59 AM: He can’t protect you. You’ll scream his name, but I’ll be the one who answers.
Unknown Number
11:01 AM: Tick tock. Every moment you ignore me, I get closer. And trust me, sweetheart—I don’t take silence well.
