Page 69 of Snap Shot

“Say no and we'll never talk about it again.” I push off the wall, wiping the chalky residue from the drywall onto my shorts. “Say yes and I'll do whatever you want.”

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A few more days of grueling drills don't provide respite from obsessively checking my phone. The turf burn on my leg hurts less than her rejection. I shift on the couch, lifting the scraped limb onto a pillow and lying back. When my phone dings I almost fall off trying to grab it.

Gym Girl:Hi.

It's happening! Nobody panic.

Me:Hi.

Gym Girl:I've thought about your proposition.

I'm too impatient to wait for the continuation of that statement. It could take minutes for her to type back.

Me:And?

Three little dots dance on the left side of the screen, excited as I am for her reply.

Gym Girl:Have your doctor send the results of a full STD panel to my office. In a sealed envelope.

Chapter 20: Take It Or Leave It

Indi

I can't believe I did that.

Knees curled to my chest, Afghan blanket over my entire body, including my head, I peer at the back of my cell phone through a gapped loop. My hand creeps to flip it over, then retreats under the shroud once more, as if the device is hot to the touch. I whine and force myself to re-read the message.

Me:Have your doctor send the results of a full STD panel to my office. In a sealed envelope.

Wow, Indi. It's like you don't want to get laid. I don't. I mean, I do. Agh,pesky feelings. No, I won't let history repeat itself. I'm not that naive idiot anymore. We're gonna do this my way. If he doesn't accept, then he said so himself: we'll never discuss it again.

Gym Guy:You got it.

Gym Guy:Are you gonna talk to me in the meantime? Or should I continue to pine after you in silent solitude?

An unladylike snort escapes.

Me:You're ridiculous.

Gym Guy:A-ha! I knew you liked me.

Me:Now, now. Let's not get carried away.

Gym Guy:I didn't hear a denial. BRB dying a happy man. Indira Davé likes me. Can I tell everyone?

Me:Absolutely not.

I snicker at the doe-eyed Puss in Boots gif he sends me as a reply. I hate to admit it, but it's kinda precious how hard he tries to win me over. Giving him shit in return is fun and effortless. The whole thing turns into howling laughter as the digital razzing continues and ends with pleasant good nights.

A budding excitement spreads through my chest and gut. It's a too-content, dangerous feeling and gives me whiplash into caution. To make this work, I'll have to tread very, very carefully.

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No matter how long I fixate on the crisp, white results paper, it doesn't change the truth.

Landon Radek is negative.

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