Page 22 of Never Your Girl

Me

I’m glad you are.

I second-guess myself as soon as I hit send. This is the most real I’ve been with anyone, and it makes me feel like my skin is too tight for my body.

Just when I consider ending the conversation, another message pops up.

FragileLikeABomb

Enough heaviness for tonight. Let’s keep it light. Favorite movie. Go.

A smirk tugs at my lips as the tension drains away.

Me

Not telling. You’ll laugh.

FragileLikeABomb

Now you have to tell me. Come on, spill.

I hesitate, then type it out, feeling ridiculous but strangely relieved when I hit send.

Me

Fine. Die Hard. Maybe it’s not a Christmas movie, but it’s my guilty pleasure.

Her response is instant.

FragileLikeABomb

Die Hard?! All right, I’ll give you points for taste. But I’ll bet you’ve never watched The Breakfast Club.

Me

What? Please. The Breakfast Club is a classic.

FragileLikeABomb

We might have more in common than I thought. Scary.

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding, feeling lighter. The emotions about Holland still simmer beneath the surface as I tell myself that this thing with FragileLikeABomb isn’t dangerous.

How could it be when it’s anonymous?

Detached.

Safe.

Maybe like she said, it’s one of the lies we tell ourselves to make it through to the next day.

7

Holland

“I’m sorry, he did what?” Ava’s coffee cup freezes halfway to her mouth, her eyes wide. “Bridger actually accused you of posting those anonymous messages online?”

“Yup,” I say, shrugging with an indifference I don’t feel. “Apparently, I’m living rent-free in his head. Evil plan accomplished.”

---