Page 23 of The Breakup Artists

I scoop up my things, ready to plod home and collapse in my bed, before my phone lights up and I change my mind, sitting down in the sand instead. It’s a text from a Massachusetts number, and there is only one person that could be.

Ella

Hey

I wipe my damp hands on my dry shirt.

Me

Hey yourself

It only takes a second for her to text back.

Ella

Not going to ask who this is? I could be some creep.

Me

Probably are. But I know who this is. You’re the only person I’ve given my number to.

Ella

Wow. Not sure if I’m flattered or if you’re a giant nerd. Didn’t you meet like fifty people today?

A smile creeps onto my face.

Me

Both? But the bigger question is, why do you like nerds so much?

I mean it as banter, but as always with her, I’m not sure if it lands. With most cases, all it takes is showing a little interest in the person’s life to get them to open up. People want to be noticed, as Tiny always says. But with Ella, that absolutely wouldn’t work. In fact the only thing that does seem to work is when I joke and instigate her the way I do Valentine.

Ella

Haha. I wouldn’t be so sure I do.

Me

Proof: you’re texting me.

Ella

Nah. That just means I’ve decided not to hate you. You’ve merely been promoted to a mild dislike.

I laugh and the sound surprises me. I didn’t think I could laugh right now.

Me

I’ll take it.

I wait a beat, but she doesn’t reply, and maybe it’s the emotional exhaustion combined with the swim or simply the dark cover of the beach that has me type:

Me

Random question... but

Do you ever freeze? Like from shock or indecision or anything?