Page 96 of Twisted Collide

Do I even have his number?

Duh, when I worked for him, I took it down, even though I never contacted him.

Josie:Hi

Short and sweet.

I stare at my phone, but nothing happens.

I throw my phone across the bed.

Stop watching it.

A watched pot never boils, after all.

A full thirty minutes pass, and despite throwing my phone across my bed, I reach for it to see if he’s responded.He hasn’t.

Josie:Is texting NOTokay?

Shit.Why did I just text that?

I hover over the delete button, but if I delete it, he’ll know I deleted it. What’s worse, looking pathetic? Or looking like a wishy-washy, pathetic person.

Why did I think this was a good idea? Why do I have to be so damn impulsive?

I pass time on my phone, checking my emails, texts, and missed calls, not sure what I’m searching for.

Okay, I do know. Some verification my mother remembers she birthed me. When I don’t get it, I move on to double tapping every thirst trap of Dane on Insta.

Why hasn’t he responded yet?

Another five minutes pass, and I cover my face with my pillow and scream into it.

The phone finally chimes, and I throw the pillow across the room and jump to grab it.

Dane:I guess that depends.

My heartbeat picks up,and my hand shakes as I hold my phone, trying to decide how to respond.

Josie:Depends on what?

Dane:Depends on why you’re texting . . .

My breathing comesout in heavy pants. Now what do I say? I stare at the message. Does he want me to say something innocent? Or is he angling for something else? Something daring.

Or I can just lay myself out there.

Josie:I want to see you.

The phone rattles in my hand. I can’t believe I put myself out there like this. Now I have to wait and see if he rejects me.

This is the worst idea I’ve ever had.

Why do I do this to myself?

The waiting feels like agony.

Dane:Then the answer is always yes.

---