Total pages in book: 74
Estimated words: 72060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72060 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 360(@200wpm)___ 288(@250wpm)___ 240(@300wpm)
Well, in my case, I’m shit at all this. I might want it, but I don’t have the confidence to follow through.
I feel a spikey twinge. I’m glad you followed through with me.
Yeah, me too.
I stare far too long at that response, wondering why I’m so happy he finally admitted in his own way that he’s enjoying these conversations. Go, me, for thinking of the idea. But it’s time to get back on track.
What got you interested in library science?
I’ve been a lifelong reader of all sorts of books, he replies, and I consider saying that he’s currently going through his romance phase, but I’m not supposed to know that. Plus, I’m a pretty organized person, a word nerd, and I think authors are rock stars, so I thought it was a good fit.
That’s lit. I’m more of a movies and games guy myself, but you can nerd out on me anytime.
It’s true I never read much of anything in book form but put a policy proposal in front of me, and I’ll stay up all night to finish it.
Your interests are a bit nerdy too.
True. So what can you do with a library science degree?
I already know the answer, so I nod to myself when he replies: I hope to be a librarian somewhere, obvs.
Would you stay in this area?
My pulse throbs. It’s not really something we’ve discussed, so I’m curious.
That would be ideal. How about you?
Same. I like California too much to leave.
We both love the area, the beach, and the weather, so I already figured it would be a no-brainer for both of us.
I didn’t actually mean leave California.
What if it’s someplace farther north, I ask, like San Francisco or San Jose?
I suppose I’d have to consider it. But it would be a hard decision.
My next inquiry comes way too easy, but bearing in mind what a romantic Austin is, it has to be asked.
How about if it’s for love? Like this guy comes along, sweeps you off your feet, and asks you to go live with him in San Francisco?
My palms are suddenly sweaty.
I mean, that’s not gonna happen, but I’ll play along…
I hold my breath as he types the rest of his response.
It would be hard to leave my parents and best friend. But hey, maybe my bestie would want to come along?
I quirk a small smile. Depends. Would he live with you?
Sure, why not? He adds a laughing emoji.
Now I’m grinning. Oh, I’m sure that’ll go over well.
Maybe it’ll be one of my requirements. Best friend must live with us.
LOL! And what if the best friend meets someone too?
This is a totally not serious conversation, so why does it feel like one? I’ve already sworn off relationships, and it’s unlikely Austin would move away from this area, but still, I’m waiting on tenterhooks for his answers, which are so unexpected—in a good way.
Then we all share a house!
I grin like a madman, maybe because it gives me hope that we’ll be lifelong friends no matter what happens on our upcoming date night. At least I hope so.
But my thoughts turn bleak on a dime like they tend to do anytime I think of romance or relationships.
And what if the two boyfriends cheat on the best friends with each other? I hit Send before I can think better of it.
Aren’t you a Debbie Downer? he replies, and he’s right.
Yeah, I know. Sorry.
I want to kick myself for ruining the good vibe.
Then I guess it’s good to know that the best friends will always have each other.
My smile and my good mood return. They will, won’t they?
Obviously. He waits for a beat before adding, Getting tired. Night.
Night.
I stare at the ceiling, imagining living in a real house or apartment with Austin and not a dorm. Just the two of us. And it brings me a kind of peace I didn’t even know I needed.
12
AUSTIN
Thursday night, my cell pings just as I’m shutting down my laptop after finishing a grueling English assignment.
“Dex again?” Kael asks from across the room. He’s been working on his own assignment for a psychology class.
I glance at my screen. “Uh-huh.”
“He’s really hamming it up.”
“That’s Dex for you.”
“I think it’s cute.”
“It is.” I sigh like it’s exasperating when I’m fully playing along with his getting-acquainted texts—even looking forward to them. Too bad our date is tomorrow. Did I really just think that?
I place my hand against my unsteady stomach. “You sure you and Angelica don’t want to go to the bonfire with us?”
He holds back a smirk, likely knowing that my nerves are getting the best of me. “I think we’ll sit this one out.”
“Fine,” I huff, then lift my cell. I find I want to keep the conversation going with Dex even if I think I already know everything about him. Believe it or not, he still keeps me on my toes.