Page 14 of Strike
Like she was already there waitingfor me to message her, three little bouncing dots appeared at the bottom of the screen, signaling she was typing a reply.
Callie:What color was I painting the storeroom?
Storm R:What?
Callie:I’ve had a lot of morons trying to dupe me. So… What color was the paint?
Storm R:Light blue. The can had tipped over, and it was all over the floor.
There was a long pause, and I began to doubt my memory, but finally, the three dots appeared again.
Callie:Is it really you?
Storm R:Yeah.
Callie:Really?
Storm R:Last time I looked. I don’t leap into raging infernos for just anyone.
Callie:Is that actually your name?
Storm R:Yes and no.
Storm R:Are you okay?
Callie:I’m fine. I bumped my head and inhaled a lot of smoke, but I’m okay now.
Storm R:Good. I’m glad.
Callie:It was an accident. The fire. The police said it was faulty wiring.
Storm R:The police?
Callie:My insurance company says I should sue my landlord.
Storm R:You should. It sounds like it was their fault.
Callie:Thank you. For saving me.
Callie:It was the ultimate, you know? Risking yourself for a stranger.
Glancing up at The Underground, I frowned. I’d wanted a scrap of kindness, and now that Callie was throwing me a bone, it made me feel uncomfortable. Like I didn’t deserve it. I’d saved her life, but I was still in the black where karma was concerned. When would I stop feeling like a total asshole?
Callie:Can I see you in person? Please?
Ihesitated.No. It was completely out of the question. She couldn’t know me.Then why the fuck did you message her?
Callie:I know you’re still there. Please meet me.
Callie:Please.
Callie:I can’t explain it. I feel connected to you somehow. Maybe it was just the fire and the way we met, but I have to know…
Storm R:Know what?
Callie:If it’s real.
My fingers tightenedaround my phone. Maybe this was my chance at real. Maybe Callie could help me redeem myself. Maybe she was the one who would finally be able to see the real me.
