Page 61 of Wallflower

Good thing Dare didn't seem to need one.

Secret Boyfriend:Did I shock you?

I forced my fingers to move and sent a quick reply.

Me:No, I just didn't know what to say in the face of such arrogance.

Secret Boyfriend:I can't see you, but I know you're blushing.

My hand moved to my cheek, and I bit my lip. How the heck did he know these things?

Me:Shouldn't you be getting ready for the game?

Secret Boyfriend:I should be…just wanted to make sure you actually came.

I blinked.

Me:I said I would.

Secret Boyfriend:People say a lot of things, flower.

I didn't have time to formulate a response as another text came through.

Secret Boyfriend:But yeah, I better go. Stop distracting me, Pam.

My heart warmed atThe Officereference, but I had to get him back for that joke he'd made.

Me:Good one, Dwight. Now onto phase three.

Secret Boyfriend:Ugh, seriously? I'm so obviously Jim.

Me:Nope, I'm now changing your contact since you won't give me your real name.

Secret Boyfriend:You're killing me, flower.

Me:Good luck today, Dwight!!! Try to kick the ball and score some goals!

He sent a frowny-face emoji in response.

Pocketing my phone, I lifted my head, knowing I was smiling but unable to stop. I scanned for a good place to sit, one that was preferably away from everyone else because they all seemed to be in groups. Alone as usual, I thought. Not that that was always a bad thing.

I started walking up the steps, was headed to the back of the stands, when I heard someone call my name.

"Hey, Vi!" I spotted Estelle waving me over. "Come sit here! I saved you a seat."

Saying "excuse me" to the fans I passed, I made my way to the spot she'd chosen. It was a good one, half-way up the stands and at the end of a row so we could easily get in and out.

"Thanks," I said, taking the seat beside her. "I didn't even know you'd be here."

"Of course," she said. "Jovonte's playing. Love watching him and his team kick some butt. This is J's grandma. Gigi, this is my friend Viola."

I looked past her and shook hands with the lady sitting there. Her white hair was pulled back into a bun. There were laugh lines and wrinkles etched into her mahogany face. She didn't look a day over 60, but I could tell by the way that she moved there was a bit of age in her bones.

"Nice to meet you," I said.

"Likewise," she said back. "Do you know my grandbaby?"

"We all have Lit together."

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