Page 15 of The Charlie Method

Do you guys go to Briar?

His current location is now far enough away that it tells me he’s likely back in Hastings. When we matched, we were only a couple miles apart, so it stands to reason he and Lars live near Briar.

B:

Yeah, we both do. How about you?

ME:

Same.

B:

Junior? Senior?

My age on the app is listed as twenty-one, so I could be either. I decide to say I’m a junior, since I always tell a few little white lies when it comes to these types of apps.

ME:

Junior. You?

B:

We’re both seniors.

He’s typing again. I hear my mom and sister in the hallway.

The next message appears.

B:

You read our profile, right? Just wanna make sure you won’t freak out if Lars pops on here later and starts chatting with you.

ME:

I read it.

B:

And?

ME:

And what?

B:

Have you been with two guys before?

I’m about to respond when Ava pokes her head into the kitchen.

“You coming—” She stops, narrowing her eyes. “Why are you blushing?”

I have been genetically cursed to transform into a tomato when one, I’ve consumed more than half a glass of alcohol, or two, I’m embarrassed. And since it’s the middle of the afternoon and all I’ve been drinking is water, my older sister correctly deduces the cause.

“Are you texting with a boy?”

“No,” I lie.

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