Page 142 of Can't Text This

“You can always keep it on the DL.”

“That was our plan, but now that means not even going out for fucking tacos.” I let out a frustrated groan. “It means being holed up in our apartments for fear someone will see us together and take this to the extreme.”

“You’re not doing anything wrong, you know,” he tries to reason. “It’s not illegal, and it’s not even entirely unethical, just…frowned upon.”

“Frowned upon is enough for Monty to freak out. Frowned upon is also enough to cause problems, especially for a first-year teacher.”

He winces. “I didn’t realize this was her first year.”

“Yeah, andIdon’t want to be the reason things get fucked up for her, or the reason she gets a bad rap, or for this to causeanydrama. I’m not worth it.”

“I think Monty would say differently, but that’s your call, Robbie.” He taps his fingers to his chin a few times before huffing out a loud breath. “For what it’s worth, I don’t think you’ll be wrong whatever you decide to do. This is a really tough situation, and I won’t judge you if you break up with the best broad that’s ever happened to youorif you continue to bang your kid’s teacher. Up to you, man.”

“You’re so eloquent.”

He spins himself around in a circle, grinning like an idiot. “I’ve been told that a time or two.”

Zach continues to spin as I mull his words over.

Montyisworth the fight—there’s no denying that—but when that fight isn’t just something that’s tough to handle but something that could affect her career? It becomes a battle I don’t know if weshouldfight.

“What are you gonna do?” he asks, still spinning.

“I don’t know.”

“Well, I don’t either. You gotta figure that shit out on your own.”

I push up to stand and stare down at him. He isstillspinning. “I hope you puke.”

“Think I could get my boss to give me the day off if I do?”

I shake my head at him and head for the door as I call out, “You’re exhausting.”

“You love it!”

Twenty-Four

Robbie

Monty:Hey. I haven’t heard from you today, which is kind of unusual because you’re always super annoying.

Monty:I was kidding. I like it when you’re super annoying.

Monty:Robbie?

Monty:Huh. Guess you’re busy or sleeping. I’ll leave you be. Just text me when you get the chance. *kisses*

* * *

Monty:Good morning. ??

Monty:Okay, it’s now after lunch on Tuesday, and I’m starting to get worried. I haven’t heard from you since Sunday night. Are you okay? Please, just answer me.

Monty:Maybe your phone isn’t getting texts? I’ll try calling.

Monty:I tried calling. Nothing. So that means you’re ignoring me. Noted.

* * *

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