Page 14 of Choosing a Forever
“Uh, sure. I mean, my schedule is pretty busy, though, so it might be a while before I can find some free time.”
Talmage’s smile widens. “That’s totally fine. Can I get your number so we can plan a time that works with both our schedules?” He pulls his phone out of his pocket and hands it to me.
I blink at it like I’ve never seen a cell phone in my life.
What is happening right now?
First, he follows me on Instagram—I don’t even want to think about why I accepted his request—and now he wants my number? I feel like I’ve entered some alternate timeline.
I put my contact information in his phone and hand it back to him.
“Thanks, Mack. I’m really excited. I’ll text you soon, and we can make a plan. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.”
Then, he moves like he’s going in for a hug but decides he shouldn’t, so he kind of hovers in the air with his arms out before he brings them down and holds his hand out for a fist bump.
I bump my fist with his, he turns back to his friend, and I return to my grocery shopping.
I’m not expecting him to text me. He’s probably just being friendly.
That is, until I check my phone when I get in the car, and I have a message.
Unknown:Hey Mack! This is Talmage. I just wanted you to have my number in case you need anything. I’ll text you about dinner soon. Have a wonderful Sunday!
It’s been four days since the run-in with Talmage, and he’s texted me every day since. Sometimes, it’s just a simplehope you’re having a good day!Other days, he asks how I’m doing.
I don’t know what to make of it, and I don’t know what to do. I feel like I’m losing my mind.
It’s almost 7 p.m., and I haven’t heard from him at all. I feel like a fucking teenager again, checking my phone to see if he’s texted me. Half hoping he hasn’t so I can get my head on straight and half hoping he has because I like his attention more than I care to admit.
I don’t think Talmage has a mean bone in his body, so I don’t think he’s playing mind games, but I’ve been wracking my brain trying to figure out what thehellhis motivations are. Why is he so insistent now when there’s been radio silence since we graduated? He barely acknowledged my existence before that.
The girls and I have already had dinner, and I’m settled in the bath with my Kindle and a mug of chamomile tea when my phone rings.
I’m expecting it to be Lizzie since she’s the only one who ever calls me, so I don’t look at the caller ID before I answer. “Hey, hot stuff, how’s it going?”
There’s a pause, and then the sound of someone clearing their throat.
Oh, no. No. No. No.
“Uhh hi, Mack,” Talmage says with an awkward chuckle. “Expecting your boyfriend to call?”
I mentally slap my forehead. “No, I was expecting Lizzie to call. I’m so sorry.”
“You and Lizzie are dating?”
Jesus Christ.
“Uhhhh no. We just answer the phone like that sometimes.”
“Oh. I’m glad to see you two are still so close.”
Lizzie and I have been best friends since our sophomore year of high school. Sometimes I forget she and Talmage know each other since we were all in choir and theatre together.
“Yeah, she’s been a lifesaver.”Literally.
“That’s good. I was just calling to see if you were available Saturday night. I’m not working and was hoping we could get dinner.”
“I’m actually working Saturday night.”
