Page 19 of Yours, Unexpectedly

Her eyes snap to mine, pleading for me to save her.

“It’s actually an excellent course for anyone to take. You learn a lot of breath work, take time analyzing a character or scene, learning more about the human psyche, and storytelling in general. I’m sure Bex will be a quick study.”

Based on the way everyone is staring at me, maybe that little speech didn’t help. I dig my hands into my pockets, forcing myself to look casual. “And I never mind spending some quality time with Baby Bardot.”

Okay that doesn’t help either because now at least half of the room has a knowing glint in their eye.

I clear my throat. “Right… Well, what’s for dinner? It smells delicious, per usual, Elaine!”

Is the false cheeriness in my voice obvious? I think the answer is yes after Gabe gives me a confused look.

“Dude. Why do you sound weird? And I already told you that we’re having beef stew.” Thanks for playing along with this, Gabe.

“Duh. Don’t know what’s gotten into me. I’m just going to…” I let my sentence trail off as I walk into the kitchen to drop off the bottle of wine. While I’m standing there, my phone buzzes in my pocket. I pull it out and have to hide my shock.

Baby Bardot

Real smooth there, killer.

I look over my shoulder to find Bex engaged in conversation with her friends and Gabe. Alright, I guess that’s how we’re playing it. I turn back to my phone and quickly type out a response.

Killer? Is that the nickname we’re going with?

Baby Bardot

Turnabout is fair play. You’ve had a nickname for me for years, felt like it was my turn.

Surely someone as well read as you can come up with something better than “killer.” That makes me sound creepy AF.

As I turn back around to grab a seat on the couch, I catch a hint of a blush on Bex’s cheeks. She’s typing on her phone and the anticipation I feel should scare me but really I just feel alive again. She’s always matched me in our verbal sparring.

Baby Bardot

Not sure that would exactly be appropriate considering the books I read…

Now that has me raising an eyebrow in her direction. She’s looking nervously across the room at me.

I definitely need to hear more about this.

She shakes her head and a reply pops up almost instantly.

Baby Bardot

Absolutely not.

100% no.

Will literally never happen.

I just text her back two words.

Game on.

“You met someone already? Working quickly, Bexy,” Ben teases.

“It’s one date! He seems… nice.” I met him a few weeks ago and we hit it off. Jack is… nice. I think.

“Wow. I can tell you’re really into him.” Ben punctuates this statement with a roll of his eyes. I take a large bite of my burger, effectively ending the conversation.

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