Page 90 of Thunderstruck

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You’re right, and we should talk tomorrow after the game.

Carissa:

After you win, you mean.

Cole:

Yes. After we win.

Carissa:

Is this the kind of talk where you’re going to tell me it’s not me, it’s you?

Cole:

I don’t know yet.

I hope not.

I’m trying.

Carissa:

Trying is good.

I pause with my fingers over the screen, wondering how much I should say in a text. I would rather say it all in person, but I’m worried about giving him too much room to think over the next twenty-four hours. Biting my lip, I type out another text and hit send before I can overthink things.

Carissa:

No matter what, I’m going to be your friend, Cole, but I would love to be more than that. I know you’re scared, and I am too, but I don’t think we’re supposed to go through life letting fear hold us back. We can do so much more than we think we can.

Cole:

You are an excellent physical therapist.

I grin, feeling his praise down to my toes. Maybe I don’t have to be too worried just yet. He’s willing to talk tomorrow, which is a step in the right direction.

Cole:

As a fair warning, I’m going to avoid you tomorrow.

Carissa:

That’s a terrible idea.

Cole:

Like you said, I need to focus on winning tomorrow’s game, and if I get too close to you, I’m going to want to remind you about what happened downstairs.

Carissa:

What happened downstairs? I’ve already forgotten. I think I need ALL the reminders.

Cole:

You are dangerous.

Carissa:

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