Page 45 of Winning Match
Alejandro
Thanks for the surprise presents.
Marli
Don’t thank me. I charged them to you.
Alejandro
It’s the thought that counts.
Marli
Alejandro
What are you up to tonight?
Marli
Dinner and a movie with Bianca. You?
I pause, my thumb hovering over the keypad. I want to ask if she wants to hang out afterwards, but is that sending mixed signals?
Didn’t Andrés accuse me of doing so? And shouldn’t I stick to the rules since I’m the one who fucking made them?
Swearing at myself, I tap out a reply.
Alejandro
Have fun! No plans. Today was grueling so I’m crashing early.
Several minutes of silence tick by and I stare at the screen, willing Marlowe to reply.
I’m about to place my phone down when the bubbles dance along the bottom of the screen.
Marli
Sleep well!
I close my eyes, irritation flickering to life. Before I can stop myself, I message again.
Alejandro
Will you come to my parents’ house for paella on Sunday? It’s tradition. My sisters aren’t in town, but you can meet my abuela.
Marlowe doesn’t miss a beat.
Marli
I’d love to! What time?
Alejandro
I’ll pick you up at 1.
Marli
Great! See you then.
