Page 49 of Dance with Me on New Year's Eve

SawyerRox4:Sorry, my usual filter is on a low battery right now.

And then the phone ringing sound came across my computer speakers, and his user avatar appeared large on my screen.

I gulped and accepted the call. “Hello?” I managed to choke out.

I heard chuckling. “Your filter—”

“Sorry—”

I ended the call.

I was … not ready for this. It was too real. I hadn’t planned for this, and we’d never discussed it. We hadn’t even shared our real names!

And the worst part? It was too much of a risk.

I couldn’t risk our friendship. Because I knew myself, and I’d mess it up.

Then you’d lose him, what little of him you have anyway.

CastGamer55:Are you OK?

SawyerRox4:I’m sorry. Just not ready for that.

CastGamer55:It’s OK. Stop apologizing. You didn’t do anything wrong.

SawyerRox4:I didn’t mean to disappoint you.

CastGamer55:You didn’t. I like it when you’re honest with me.

SawyerRox4:OK, then the truth is, I am really valuing our friendship … let’s not screw it up, k?

CastGamer55:I don’t think a phone call would screw anything up, but sure. I respect your view.

SawyerRox4:Please share though. I really do want to hear how you’re doing … and we have to talk about the book too

CastGamer55:Let’s talk about the book tomorrow. I want to reread Part 4, actually, because I think it’s related to my idea.

SawyerRox4:You’re presumptuous. How do you know I’ll be around tomorrow?

CastGamer55:Sorry, I mean the next time we’re both online.

SawyerRox4:Don’t apologize… it’s sweet

CastGamer55:No one’s ever accused me of being sweet.

My mouth curved upward. How had I gone from being terrified to talk to him to … almost flirting?

SawyerRox4:I can’t believe that, Danny

CastGamer55:Tell that to, basically, everyone who knowsme. Haha.

CastGamer55:But seriously, I understand your hesitation. I don’t open up to a lot of people. Not anyone, really.

CastGamer55:Well, except my sister.

SawyerRox4:Baby sister?

CastGamer55:Yes, we practically raised each other.

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