Page 90 of The Moment You Know

PAIGE: This is kind of embarrassing, but when I looked for one to send you, I realized I had like, fifty of them.

DAVID: Feel free to send me some more. Not fiftymore, but maybe a reasonable amount more.

PAIGE: A reasonable amount. Got it.

He took a breath, turning the conversation to something less pleasant.

DAVID: So, I talked to Ashley.

PAIGE: Already? That was fast.

DAVID: I didn’t see any reason to wait.

PAIGE: How did it go?

David stared at the text, debating how to answer. Going into too much detail would probably be awkward, especially the aspect of Ashley’s pregnancy being a reason for her blocking Paige, so he decided to keep it generic and simple.

DAVID: Well, the condensed version is that after you called and left the first message, she thought you were drunk-calling and possibly wanting to get me back, because you said you ‘needed’ me. She was afraid you’d keep calling me when she wasn’t around to run interference, so she just deleted your message and then blocked your number.

The three dots appeared, indicating she was typing something, then they disappeared, reappearing and disappearing a second time. When it happened a third time, David stepped in.

DAVID: What’s going on?

PAIGE: Sorry. I was going to say something and then changed my mind.

DAVID: Three times?

PAIGE: Yes. I was trying to figure out a way to make myself not sound … deranged.

DAVID: Deranged? Now I have to hear it.

PAIGE: No, you don’t.

DAVID: Yes. What were you going to say?

Almost thirty seconds passed before she replied.

PAIGE: That I was feeling a little flattered.

DAVID: Flattered?

PAIGE: I said it was deranged.

DAVID: Well, I wouldn’t say it was deranged, exactly, but … a little context wouldn’t hurt.

PAIGE: Because the pornstar version of Megan Fox felt the need to block little old, ugly me. So I couldn’t ‘get you back’.

David’s amusement at the over-the-top reference to Ashley dimmed at Paige’s ‘ugly’ reference to herself because he knew where it came from.

PAIGE: Which means she thought I could, that’s why. What can I say? I try and find the silver lining in everything.

PAIGE: Don’t get me wrong, though. I’m still extremely pissed she blocked me. Although, knowing it was her—and not you—makes it better. When I thought it was you, it kind of broke my heart.

DAVID: I’m glad you know it wasn’t me. The fact that you thought I was an uncaring asshole kind of broke MY heart.

PAIGE: Well, I don’t think you’re an uncaring asshole anymore, so that can be your silver lining.

DAVID: Thanks.I needed one.

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