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Heart pounding, I hesitate. As I want to pick it up, the call disappears.

“Who was that?” Lil asks.

“Unknown number.” I shrug, avoiding their gaze. “Probably a telemarketer.”

“Or Elijah.” Mary waggles her eyebrows.

“Doubtful. He’s probably too busy planning his wedding with Esther.”

“Oh, I see. We’re back to hating him.” Mary winks at me.

My phone buzzes again with a text from the same unknown number.

Unknown number: I told you to answer.

It’s Elijah.

“Who’s making you smile like that?” Mary asks.

“Nobody,” I say too quickly. It buzzes again.

Lil leans over to peek at the message preview on my phone, but I snatch it away before she can read it.

“Oh, come on. It’s him, right?” Lil reaches for my phone. “Please. Let us see.”

“Fine, but let me check first. To see if it’s… safe.” I pull up the messages.

Unknown number: I told you to answer.

Unknown number: Table is reserved at 8.

Mary and Lil both stand up and glance over my shoulder.

Mary nudges me. “Ha, it’s him. Right?”

Lil screeches. “I knew it. You have to write him back.”

“Do you think he is sincere about investing and helping me?” I ask out loud.

Mary touches my shoulder. “Why not? Meet up with him, and if not, you can still fuck him.”

Her directness makes me and Lil laugh.

As if on cue, my phone buzzes again.

Unknown number: River’s Club. I’ll pick you up.

Me: Busy tonight.

“What do you have planned?” Lil asks.

I huff. “My mom set up another date.”

I place my phone upside down after saving his number under ‘Mr. Answer Me’.

My phone buzzes twice in quick succession, but I don’t move, and Lil and Mary return to their seats.

I cross my arms under my chest, lifting my shoulders. “I can’t.”

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