Chapter 2
Zoe
I’ve stared at the paper with Riggs’s phone number, written in neat block letters, for the last two days. I know he said we can’t be together, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be friends. Right?
Plus, ever since he gave me his number, I’ve felt compelled to reach out to him. Dating might be off the table, but I could definitely use a friend. I feel so disconnected from everyone lately that the connection I feel to Riggs is even more important.
Screw it. I’m texting him. Worst case scenario, he doesn’t respond, and I go about my life as if we never met.
Me
Hey, how was your day today?
I watch my phone, waiting for him to respond. My text sits on read for three minutes when I finally give up and toss my phone onto my bed. That answers that. I open my Kindle. Before I can finish reading a page, my phone buzzes beside me. I can barely contain my excitement when I see that Riggs responded.
Riggs
It was good. Yours?
Me
Not too bad. Just trying to stay busy. I wanted to thank you for giving me a ride home the other night. Sorry things got weird.
Riggs
Don’t worry about it.
A grin stretches across my face when my phone buzzes with a new message from Riggs. Careful not to get caught by my professor, I read the text.
Riggs
How’s your week been?
Me
Good. I had an exam, so tonight I have a date with some red wine and a book.
Riggs
You had me worried for a sec when you said date. Also, wine?
Me
My roommate already turned 21.
Riggs
When do you turn 21?
Me
Five months.
Riggs
. . .
. . .
What book are you reading?
Me
Never Lie by Frieda McFadden. I’m on a psychological thriller kick.
Riggs
You’ll have to let me know if I should read it.
Me
Will do.
Me
That book was so good. I binged it in one night. You should read it.
Maybe I shouldn’t keep texting Riggs. I mean, he did tell me he wanted to know how I liked the book, so it’s not like I’m bothering him.
Riggs
Maybe I will.
I smile. If he was annoyed with me, he wouldn’t keep texting me back. Right?