Page 88 of Texting Dr. Stalker

Me:It’s only haunted by Nana and my nightmares. Between both of them, I guess it’s balanced. And I’m not alone, actually.

Was it wrong that I tingled with the thought of making him the tiniest bit jealous?

X:Oh? You’ve got company?

Me:Of the feline variety.

X:I didn’t know you had a cat.

Me:I didn’t until my neighbour begged me for a favour. To be honest, I think he’s the one who’s done me a favour.

X:How so? And how was it seeing him? Are you okay?

Me:It wasn’t easy, but I need to stop Milton from tainting a perfectly fine neighbourly relationship. My neighbour didn’t do anything to me. I have to remember that.

X:You don’t have to be nice to him if it’s hurting you, though.

Me:I know. But we have history with our families, and he’s super sweet. The cat I’m looking after was a stray he rescued yesterday. He has a good heart.

X:Careful. I might get jealous.

“Ahh…” I glanced at Penguin. “Could this be a good moment?”

Before I could figure out what to say, another message pinged.

X:By the way, I feel like I owe you an apology.

Me:What for? Shouldn’t that be the other way around? I’m sorry I dragged you over here so late.

X:I meant what happened in the night. I passed out when I didn’t mean to. I don’t know how I ended up smothering you, but I hope you weren’t afraid.

Me:I wasn’t afraid.

I panicked a little before adding.

Me:In fact…I was going to ask you about that.

X:Ask me what?

Me:Do you have a girlfriend?

X:You don’t know me, but the fact that I admitted I have a crush on you and watch you rather obsessively is a pretty big indication that I’m unattached. I wouldn’t be able to do those things if I was with someone. I’m not a cheater.

Me:I have a crush on you too.

It took a while for him to respond as if he needed time to process. Finally, my phone vibrated.

X:You probably shouldn’t have told me that.

Me:I told you because…the next time you come round, I was wondering if you might……………………Wow, this isn’t easy to type.

X:Type what?

Me:What are you doing tonight? Would you like to come over and watch a movie with me? I can cook something? We can get to know each other and…you could stay over again?

This time, his reply was even longer and when it came, it splashed me with ice water.

X:Unfortunately, I have to go away for a couple of days with work.

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