Page 11 of When the Fake Snow Falls

Unknown Number:

Yeah, but you liked what you saw?

I blink at my phone screen, not sure how to answer. Part ofme wants to say . . .obviously?But before I can come up with a coherent thought, he texts me again.

Unknown Number:

Shit. That’s not what I’m trying to say. I’m just surprised.

My eyebrows furrow.

Candace:

Should I be afraid to ask why?

Unknown Number:

I don’t think so.

He starts typing, and I hug my knees to my chest as I stare down at my phone, waiting for his next message. As soon as it comes in, I snatch my phone and start reading.

Unknown Number:

You know how there are some people who look like they’d happily talk to someone they don’t know?

You didn’t look like one of those people.

My lips purse. Is he saying I’m unapproachable? I’m almost tempted to ask himwhy.

Candace:

Fair enough. Now that you mention it, the barista was extremely welcoming, and I’m sure it had nothing to do with her being paid to smile.

Unknown Number:

Ha. Ha. That’s not why I was goingto ask her out.

Candace:

I’m sure you have an excellent reason.

I wonder what he likes about her. After seeing how he described me, I’m intrigued. Is she a daisy with a bubbly personality? I wish I paid more attention to what she looked like while I was there today.

Unknown Number:

I don’t want to tell you.

You’ll judge me.

I let out a huff. I didn’t even ask him to tell me, but now I definitely need to know.

Candace:

You owe me. I thought I was being hit on today.

There’s a long pause before he starts typing, like he’s trying to figure out what he needs to say, but the message that comes in is far from poetic.

Unknown Number:

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