Page 11 of Love Lies Bleeding

Cherry: How did you get my number, Jake?

Jake: Aww, so you do remember me. You said if I wanted it enough, I’d find it, and I really wanted it. Now, about that making out…

Jake: I mean hanging out. ??

A laugh burst from me at his flirty comment and I let my body fall back on the bed as I quickly type out a response.

Cherry: Much as I’d love to HANG out, I have to work today.

I place my phone down on the bed, not wanting to be one of those girls who watches her phone like a maniac waiting for a boy to text her, even if he is only a friend. I apply some mascara as the text message alert dings. With more restraint than I thought I possessed, I finish my make-up with some cherry lip gloss because I’m not above that particular cliché and cherry is the bomb.

Picking up the phone, I read the text.

Jake: How about later?

Cherry: What would we do?

Jake: Well, as you shut making out down, and we’re friends, I thought we could go play crazy golf? As long as you don’t get upset with losing. I’m not one to brag but I am pretty amazing, if I do say so myself.

Cherry: Crazy golf?

Jake: Hey, don’t judge my little quirks.

Cherry: I’d never and that sounds fun. I get off at five, does that work?

Jake: ?? I’d love to get you off before but since you shut me down, five works. I’ll pick you up from work.

Cherry: How about I meet you there? You can send me the address.

I don’t want this to feel like a date and him picking me up feels too much like a date.

Jake: It’s a THIRTY-MINUTE drive and you don’t have a car.

Cherry: I can Uber.

Jake: Fuck me, you’re stubborn.

Cherry: ?

Jake: Just let me pick you up. I promise I’ll let you choose the music

Cherry: Even if it’s the Spice Girls?

Jake: Fuck me. Yes, even if it’s the spice girls.

Cherry: I don’t like the Spice Girls.

Jake: You done being sassy?

Cherry: Never

Jake: Good, it’s cute

Cherry: ….

Jake: I’ll pick you up at five. DO NOT ARGUE WITH ME ON THIS.

Cherry: Okay.

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