Page 109 of After All This Time

"It was Tobias."

Silence.

"Allison?"

More silence.

"Okay, you're killing me here."

"Sorry, I just… Tobias? How? How and when? I'm so confused."

"He kissed me while we were at our parents' house."

"Like out of nowhere? Was it a joke?"

"No, it wasn't a joke, Jesus."

"Sorry. Are you sure this happened, or have you been having really vivid dreams?"

"Okay, I'm hanging up."

"No, no, don't. Sorry, I'm sorry. I just… I don't know what to say."

"Something's changed between us. I know I've always had a semi-inappropriate crush, but I don't know how this happened to him."

"Have you asked him?"

"No, that conversation is happening tonight."

"I can't believe you slept with him. How was it?"

"Fucking unreal."

"I'm not surprised. I knew that asshole wasn't all ego; I knew he'd be able to back it up."

"He did, but a part of me wishes I never knew because being ignorant would've been better than seeing him with someone else one day."

"What if he wants to be with you?"

"Okay, it's not like that."

"Ha, okay, Pinocchio."

"What?"

"I know you think this little crush has only ever been physical, but that's crap. Yeah, it may have started that way, but over the years, it changed, and you know it. That's why you never fully gave yourself to anyone you dated. You drew the line at sex. No emotions. No feelings. Because deep down, nobody compared to him."

Now I'm the silent one.

"It's okay to admit you feel more."

"I hate you right now."

"Because you know I'm right."

"I'm going. But I love you."

"Love you. Call me tomorrow after you profess your love."

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