Page 256 of The First Time

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"Oooh. Is that loverboy?"

Probably. I don't text with anyone besides Lizzy and Blake. I used to have a handful of friends, but I haven't had the time or energy to stay in touch. For the last three years, I've been hanging out with Lizzy. Just Lizzy.

I pull my cell from my purse.

Sure enough, it's a text from Blake.

Blake: I need to talk to you. Come by my office tonight. I'll be here until midnight.

"Booty call?" Lizzy waggles her brows.

I play-swat her. "No. Just a regular call."

"Let me see then."

I do.

She smiles as she reads the text. "That's absolutely a booty call."

I don't think so. Even if it is— "So what?"

"So nothing. I'm glad you're finally getting some."

"Where did you learn to talk like that?"

"Books."

"No offense, but you don't read."

She laughs. "Okay. TV." She takes a step backwards. "You need to go now?"

"No. After dinner. My treat. Whatever you want."

"Greasy noodles?"

"Sure."

"But not here. We need to go to Chinatown and get the good stuff."

I nod. "Wherever you want."

* * *

After a long,greasy, MSG-filled dinner, Lizzy and I part ways. I take the subway downtown.

It's empty. Again. I guess it's always empty this time of night.

I take a minute to admire the beauty of the city, then I go straight to Blake's office.

Once again, it's empty except for him. I go straight to his open door and knock.

"Kat. Come in."

"How did you know it was me?"

"Who else would it be?"

"The janitor."

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