Page 119 of The Devil We Crave
"Just wanted to touch base?"
I mean seriously, self.
But, it’s sent. It might not thebestfirst message in a week, but whatever.
Me
Totally nothing implied, was just thinking about you.
Shit.
I’m looking clingy again.
I quickly add a third message, clarifying that I’mnottrying to trap him into being myboyfriend, or proposing marriage, or wanting to discuss names for our first three children.
Me
I was hoping we could meet again. Like before.
Close. But better be as blunt as possible.
Me
I want you to fuck me like that again.
Okay, we’ve officially wandered into the “desperate whore” part of the forest, but at least I don’t look like a clingy virgin anymore.
When I glance back at my screen the message has a red X and a message next to it.
“Ari?”
“Yeah?” she says, her nose buried in her notes for the quiz tomorrow.
“What does ‘message cannot be delivered at this time’ mean?”
She looks up. “Could be no service.”
I nod.
“But it can, uh, also mean that the receiver blocked you, right?”
Her eyes narrow. “Oh,hellno…”
“Can I borrow your phone for a second?” I mumble.
She nods. “I’m gonna go borrow a fuckinggun.”
This is a horrible idea. But it’s like I’m watching myself from outside my body as I enter Achilles’ number into Arianna’s phone and type out a message.
Arianna
Hey, do you have those notes from class the other day?
My heart shatters when his response comes immediately.
Achilles
Who is this?
