Page 380 of Call Me Baby 2: Side B

I stare at his sleeping face and reach under the covers, inching near his hip, through trapped heat and twisted sheet. My fingers find the phone, and I slowly pull it free, keeping an eye on his lashes, his mouth, the change in his breath.

Then I look down.

It’s the second phone.

I’m frozen here with it in my hand, knowing this is a boundary I shouldn’t cross.

I should put the phone back down, pretend I never saw it. No point in searching for something that'll only hurt.

I’m teetering on the edge of being just a fucked-up girl, and staring down at the pit of crazy-girlfriend.

The screen wakes in my hand,

reminding me I’m both.

Then the messages come piling in:

No

Are you still with her? Just say that.

I can handle being replaced

Tell me the truth

I click into that thread and scroll⁠—

I can feel myself getting bad again

I took something to sleep. Don't worry I know you're busy

You know wht helps

You really gonna make me sepll it out for you ;)

Actually no forget it

I'm deleting your number

I'm outside don't be mad.

I just need to see you then I'll go

Where are you?

My stomach flips as I click out and end up back in his inbox, seeing the string of texts from multiple numbers:

Why aren't you at the Clover? U ok?

Hi stranger. Still hooking up? Or did you retire?

You prob don't remember me.

Who's this?

Andrewwwwwww I still have your hoodieeee

What are you doing later?