Page 10 of When Nothing Else Matters

Bestie? Dylan?Did I give him my number? And is he drunk?I save his contact in my phone as another text comes through.

Dylan: You and Joel huh?

Huh? Why is he still texting? And what?

Dylan: Fuck it’s early.

A laugh escapes me at that. Yep, he’s definitely drunk. For some stupid reason, I reply.

Me: No kidding; you woke me up. Are you still out drinking?

His reply comes through immediately, followed by the three little dots, saying there’s more to come.

Dylan: Yes

Party animal, huh? He’s typing some more, so I just stare down at the phone. Too tired to do anything else.What could he possibly be writing for this long?

Dylan: Wait, no I’m home… Saw the sock. Wink Wink.

I laugh out loud and roll my eyes, even though he can’t see me. God, I’m tired. And yes, he actually wrote the words wink wink. I have no idea what he’s talking about.

Me: Okay…

Dylan: Do you want sweet or savory for breakfast?

What the hell?I don’t even know what to say to that. It’s too early for this shit.

Me: I’m going back to bed.

I wait a few minutes for a reply, but nothing comes through, so I roll over. I’m finally drifting off when my phone dings again.

“Oh, come on!” I yell into my pillow.

Dylan: Good idea. Don’t want to wake Joely boy.

Joely boy? Oh, sock on the door…He thinks I’m there. Wow! Joel hooked up after dropping me home. Good for him. Guess I was wrong about him. Maybe he is a casual hookup type of guy.

Me: I’m at home, Dylan.

Dylan: Already calling it home I see.

Dylan: …

Me: Joel must be with someone else.

The three dots appear and disappear for a minute before Dylan responds.God, please tell me he didn’t check.

Dylan: Okay.

I huff out a laugh at the short response, and shake my head. It’s time to end this.

Me: Good night, Dylan.

Switching my phone to silent, I shove it under my pillow and bury my face. No more drunk conversations, even when I’m sober. When I wake again at 10 a.m., a much more respectable hour, I see his reply.

Dylan: Sweet dreams.

Without my consent, a small smile graces my lips, and a flutter occurs in my chest. Don’t worry, though; I shut that shit down straight away.Nope. No. Uh-uh. Not happening.He’s a good guy, Sum, too good for you. And taken. Moving on.

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