Page 157 of Rebound
“I miss her, too, sweet girl. But she’ll be back tomorrow.”
Turning over, I pick up my phone and message Lavinia.
Roman
You’ll be happy to know I’ve been invited to join the sacred group chat by the team.
There was a ceremony and everything.
Guess I’m officially a Titan.
I wait for her to reply and when she doesn’t, I figure she’s either asleep or still out with all her friends. I’ll never understand how she makes friends so easily.
Sometimes, I wonder if our differences are unsurmountable. I’m not sure my first instinct’s ever going to be making friends. Maybe I’ll always choose isolation over building a community.
I also know this—I’ll do anything for Lavinia. I’ll be anything and anyone she wants me to be if it means that I get to keep her.
FORTY-SEVEN
ROMAN
I start to worry when, by the next morning, I still haven’t received a text from Lavinia. I fell asleep, my phone still clutched in my hand and when I unlocked it, the last message was still from me, wishing her a good night and telling her I’ll see her today.
It’s completely unlike her not to reply to messages. She thinks it’s rude to leave someone on read, whereas I think someone has to end the conversation.
I get up, get ready, feed the cats and spend fifteen minutes helping Kita hang a planter. My phone is buzzing when I get back to my apartment, so much so that it’s close to falling off the counter. My heart thuds wildly, thinking the worse has happened. I pick up the phone and my heart sinks in disappointment when I see the messages aren’t from Lavinia. It’s the HoBros.
Crystal (Reese)
Has anyone seen a crop top?
Destiny (Holden)
In general? Yes, I’ve seen plenty.
Crystal (Reese)
No, I mean I’m missing a crop top.
Trixie (Ford)
How are your missing clothes our responsibility?
Crystal (Reese)
It’s the HoBros solidarity!
Trixie (Ford)
I refuse to accept this solidarity.
Crystal (Reese)
You can’t do that; you’re a part of the sacred group chat.
And if you leave, I’ll add you back.
Destiny (Holden)
