Page 77 of The Rookie

Avery: If we’re playing this game… hypothetically, you’re a good kisser. That’s it. One point for Griffin.

I stare at the message, stunned into silence for a second.

Me: You admitted it. I win.

Avery: Don’t get cocky.

I’m already cocky. She knows it.

Me: Too late. Anyway, if you’re giving points for kissing, I feel like we should test for consistency.

Avery: Consistency?

Me: Yeah. Like quality control.

Avery: Is this what you say to every girl?

I hesitate, fingers hovering over the keys before I reply.

Me: No. Just you.

Her typing bubble stops. She’s quiet for longer this time, and I can almost feel her thinking on the other side of the room.

Finally:

Avery: What do you really want, Griffin? I just feel like you’re playing games with me.

I stare at the glowing letters, my chest tightening. I could play it off—make a joke, sidestep the question—but something about tonight, abouther, makes me type something else entirely. She thinksI’mplaying games withher?Au Contraire.

Me: Okay I’ll be more direct. A “what happens in Mexico stays in Mexico” situation. As we’ve already alluded to. We’ll get it out of our system. You. Me. Two weeks.

Avery’s screen goes dark. I see her roll onto her back, her phone resting on her stomach as she stares at the ceiling. I wait, my thumb hovering over the screen, my pulse pounding because I can’t believe I actuallysaidthat.

Finally, the screen lights up again.

Avery: I don’t even know where to start.

Me: The pros list? I can help.

Avery: Oh, please.

Me: We’re already sharing a room. Convenient.

Avery: So romantic.

Me: Less romantic, more efficient. You need a rebound anyway, after that dude who didn’t even ask shit about your dreams. You know at least know I want the best for you, A. That’s not bullshit.

Avery: You’re actually being sincere, and that’s hard for me.

Me: You say that like it’s a bad thing that I actually have a serious side.

There’s another pause. I glance over at her bed, watching the faint glow of her phone illuminate her face. I can’t see her expression, but I don’t miss the way her thumb hesitates before she types.

Avery: And what happens when this trip is over? We just zap each other with that white light from Men in Black and forget all of this ever happened?

I stare at her message longer than I should.When it’s over.

The words settle in my chest in a way I don’t like.

---