Page 53 of Third Time Lucky

I grip my phone, tapping the response bubble and typing with my thumbs.

Lucy

Yep. You?

It’s after I hit send that I realize how stupid a question that is. Obviously, he’s awake, his phone isn’t texting me on its own.

Asher

Like a damn owl.

Lucy

How come?

Asher

Tornado of thoughts.

I gasp, slightly relieved that he’s an overthinker like myself. He seems so solid emotionally and grown-up. Is that a mask? I don’t know, but if so, maybe he’ll understand the nonsense my head comes up with.

Lucy

We have that in common then.

Asher

Yeah? Tell me about it. No judgment.

Lucy

Will you tell me about yours?

Asher

If u really wanna know, sure.

Lucy

I know you know what I said about you being… hot.

Hot. God, it’s so high school. After this I’ll never use the word hot for anything besides something coming out of the oven. The ‘…’ typing bubble torments me as I wonder what exactly he’s saying that’s taking so long.

Asher

I think Aaron and Madi also have gossiping in common. I do know. And I should have told you but had no clue how to say it and Aaron made me promise I wouldn’t. I’m sorry.

Lucy

Are you kidding? If you had told me, I’d have been an outline in Mitzi’s front door. Truth be told, I’m a little scared.

Asher

What are you scared of? Me? Being friends with me?

Lucy

Being friends with you. Being attracted to that friend. Dating that friend with our friends. Possibly falling into more than friends. All of it. I feel like he’s watching us…

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