Page 87 of Puck Me Back to Life

I'm going to spend the entire ride home thinking about him. Which is dangerous because Ash Grant is starting to feel less like an escape. And more like something I don't want to lose.

The taxi ride home feels unreal. The city drifts past the window in a blur of traffic lights, coffee shops, and people going about their mornings. A woman walks a golden retriever across an intersection. A man balances two cardboard drink carriers while talking on his phone. A couple stands outside a grocery store having what looks like a serious argument.

For once, I don't feel completely separated from them.

Most days it feels like there is a sheet of glass between me and the rest of the world. Life keeps moving forward while I watch from somewhere far away, disconnected from all of it. Today that distance feels smaller. The feeling follows me all the way into my apartment building.

I smile at Mrs. Donnelly when I pass her checking her mailbox in the lobby. She smiles back and asks how hockey is going. I answer without forcing it. The elevator ride to my floor is short. By the time I unlock my apartment door, I still feel strangely light.

I step inside and let the familiar quiet settle around me. Usually the silence feels heavy. Today it doesn't. I kick off my shoes and head for my bedroom. My clothes from last night end up in a pile on the floor while I change into a pair of sweatpants and an old Wizards hoodie. The silver hoop earrings stay where they are.

I catch sight of myself in the mirror while pulling the sweatshirt over my head.

For a moment, I just stare.

The earrings still look unfamiliar. Not since before— I immediately look away. My phone vibrates on the nightstand. I already know who it is.

I grab the phone.

Ash: Home?

A laugh escapes before I can stop it.

Kai: Just got inside.

The typing bubble appears immediately.

Ash: Good.

Kai: You survived.

Ash: Barely.

Kai: Dramatic.

Ash: My bed is lonely.

Heat immediately climbs into my face. I stare at the screen. Ash somehow manages to be ridiculous even through text messages.

Kai: Why are you back in bed?

His answer comes almost instantly.

Ash: We have the day off.

Also I was the one doing all the work last night.

We can't all be pillow princes.

My entire face catches fire. “Oh my God.”

The words come out loud. I toss the phone onto the couch like it's personally offended me. The worst part is that he isn't even here. He's miles away and somehow still making me blush. I drop onto the couch and bury my face in my hands.

Pillow prince.

I hate him. Who does he think made me like that?

My phone vibrates again. I refuse to look at it. Ash can wait for at least a few minutes. I head into the kitchen and open the refrigerator.