Page 8 of Jingl
“Crap!” I want to tell Trace all about my news, but there’s no time. I race towards the customer service desk, shoes jingling so loudly everyone stares to look at me.
Chapter 4
Trace
What the hell did I do? I glare at my phone as if it made the choice for me. But no.
I typed out: You’re fucking adorable.
Then sent it to Shae.
Now it’s beenhourssince he’s messaged me.
Do not panic. Shae had his audition. Then he was building Santa’s Village. Maybe he had classes. He’s busy, I know that. But why does my world feel turned upside down?
I take a screenshot and share it with Wendy.
Trace: What the hell have I done?
Instead of texting back like I’d hoped, she calls me.
“Breathe. Shae is probably busy.”
“That’s what I keep telling myself. But what if I screwed everything up?”
My phone vibrates with an incoming call and my heart pounds so hard I might vomit. It’s Shae.
“He’s calling.”
“Good luck,” Wendy says just before she hangs up.
I answer Shae before the call can go to voicemail and have to yank the phone from my ear.
“I got the part! I’m the lead pianist!!”
“I knew you could do it!” I want to wrap him in my arms and swing him around like we did when we were kids.
I wait with bated breath for what he says next.
“I wish we could talk, but I have a friend date with Alec and Nate I’m already late for. Talk tonight?”
“Yes. Absolutely.”
Shae chuckles on the other end. “Later, Tracy.”
“Later.” Nothing happened on the call. Shae didn’t say anything about my weird text. Everything will be okay. I text Wendy to let her know about the short conversation and she’s calling me again.
“See, not scary.”
“You know, some of us don’t like talking on the phone,” I mumble.
“Unless it’s a certain boy,” Wendy teases before calling out, “Damn it, Kenzie, don’t put that in your mouth.Kids.” She sighs. “See you later. I have to go make sure my daughter doesn’t shove a teddy bear ornament down her throat. Go take a nap or something to help you calm down. This isn’t like you.”
“That’s a good idea. Thanks. Talk to ya later.”
I get off the phone and drop into bed. It’s one of the only things still functional in this apartment right now. But sleep doesn’t come. My brain is too awake, so I get back up and tinker with the app I’ve been developing for work. It’s a silly game, but it kills some time while I wait. And wait. But I get a text from Shae instead of a call.
Shae: Call raincheck? I’m toast. :yawns:
