Page 24 of Let Me

Oh.Right.

I’m locking your number in now.Perhaps I’ll save it under the ice cream emoji, then I’ll always know it’s you.

Or you could just save it under my name.

I could, but what’s the fun in that?

Right…so I was wondering…

Wondering what, Mr.Westinghouse?

When I can see you again?

“Girl, whoisyou texting over there?”

“Nobody.”

“Oh, it’s somebody.You haven’t stopped cheesing since you picked up the phone.”

I snicker and say, “It’s Judah.”

“Dang.He has you smiling like that?What happened to just being friends?”

“Nothing.Wearefriends.”

“Chile, please.Skip a diagnosis.If a man made me smile like that, I’d be all over it.”

“Riley!”

“What?I’m just saying.Take it from a P.E.teacher with no prospects—you’re winning.Plus, he fine.”

“He is, isn’t he?”

My bad.You are busy.

No, I’m not.I’m calling you now.

You don’t have to.

I want to.

I dial his number.I didn’t even hear the line ring before he says, “Hi.”

“Hey.Hold on a sec.”

“Okay.”

The feeling that toys with my nerves and sends shivers down my spine when I hear his voice should be studied.All of my happy hormones are fluttering, having a field day, and making me feel weightless.

I mouth to Riley, “I’ll be right back,” and step outside of her duplex.Leaning against the hood of my car, I say, “Okay.I’m here.What’s up, Judah?”

“Nothing.”

“Nothing?You called me fornothing?”

“No.I—okay, how are you doing?”

“I’m doing well.You?”

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