Page 38 of Prove You Wrong

No.

I can’t allow this train of thought. There’s my sister to think about. She doesn’t need a flaky guy in her life, not again. I should tell Nate ‘no’ properly so he can go have fun with someone else, find someone carefree to mess around with. But then, my pipe dream really would be over and I’ve been enjoying the fantasy as much as I’ve been denying it.

My phone buzzes again and I’m already mentally composing the message that he has to stop; it’s a definite no.

Chloe: I’ll be back late tonight, don’t wait up.

Scowling, I aggressively tap out a reply.

Ella: It’s a school night.

Chloe: It’s for a school project.

Ella: You still have a curfew.

I swear this girl is going to finish me off.

Chloe: You are NOT my parent. Mum said it was OK. I’m only telling you coz she asked me to.

A second text arrives immediately.

Chloe: Why are you so boring?

A mix of feelings surges through me. Irritation, outrage and a pang of realisation she’s right. I’m not her mum, and maybe I am boring.

Before I can change my mind, my thumbs fly as I tap out a response. This one isn’t for Chloe though.

Ella: What did you have in mind?

There’s a minute before Nate replies.

Nate: Nothing much, just proving you wrong.

***

‘I think I’m losing my mind,’ I announce when Josie answers the phone.

Since my boss got back from his holiday and I saved his bacon by sorting out his accounts, I feel like I can take more liberties at work. And by liberties, I mean the luxury of a lunch break. The moment I can escape, I call Josie.

‘I fucking hate Boris the Bellend. What’s he done this time?’ I love how she’s always in my corner.

‘It’s not him.’ I swallow. ‘I’ve agreed to go on a date … with Nate.’

She chuckles, ‘That rhymes. Awesome. What’s the problem?’

‘I don’t know why I did it? Well, I do, but … ’ I pace on the pavement outside my office, aware I don’t have long.

‘Was it to have amazing, carefree sex with a hot stud?’

‘Jose, no one says stud.’ I roll my eyes even though she can’t see them.

‘You’re avoiding the question.’

Why did I agree to it? Panic courses through me. ‘I don’t know.’

‘What do you want from this, Ells?’

To rebel.

---