Page 24 of If the Ring Fits

11

ROWENA

I stare at my phone, my face glowing in its pale light—the only illumination in my dark bedroom. What was I thinking, bombarding Adrian with that crazy volley of questions? He’s going to think I’m a total nutcase.

Liam always used to tell me how annoying and silly my sense of humor is. HowextraI am. Now Adrian is probably thinking the same.

I flop back onto my pillow with a sigh, ready to toss my phone aside and attempt to sleep, when I notice the three little dots appear. He’s responding. My heart kicks into double-time and I bolt upright, clutching my phone tightly.

“Please don’t let it say ‘Lose my number, you lunatic’,” I mutter, gnawing on my bottom lip. The seconds stretch like cotton candy as I wait. And wait. The dots disappear. Reappear. Disappear again. Jeez, is he writing me a novel? The suspense is killing me.

“Just rip off the Band-Aid already,” I groan, shaking my phone as if that will make his response materialize faster.

While I wait, I imagine his strong hands typing out a reply, hisdark eyes narrowed at the screen. Maybe a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth? Or a disturbed grimace? Ugh, I can’t tell. Is he going to play nice just because he’s desperate and he needs me?

I squeeze my eyes shut for a second. Please let him get my oddball sense of humor. Please don’t let him be scared off by my quirky late-night ramblings. I’ve been told I’m an acquired taste. Liam loved to remind me constantly how lucky I was he could endure all my eccentricities.

My phone vibrates in my hand and my eyes fly open.

Adrian

I see you’re going straight for the important stuff

I laugh.

Adrian

Also in no particular order:

Double dipping at a party is NEVER acceptable

Now I’m full-on grinning.

Rowena

But what if the nachos are huge and the salsa really, really good?

Adrian

Still a no go

*thumbs-up emoji* to pineapple on pizza

I’d even go as far as endorse hot honey pizza dips

My eyes widen.

Rowena

Ew, gross

You’re disgusting

Adrian

*skeptical emoji* have you at least ever tried it?

Rowena

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