I moved the phone away from her, shaking my head. “No, it’s not Talon. And it’s private.”
With the way she was looking at me, I knew those were the wrong words to say to someone like her.
“Like a secret?” Roxie’s grin widened, eyes now sparkling with mischief. “Ohhh, I see. This isjuicy.Come on, Livvi. You can’t just tease me like that and not show me.”
I groaned, pulling the phone closer to me. “Roxie, it’s not like that. I just … don’t want anyone reading it.”
“Uh-huh.” She leaned back with a victorious smirk. “That’s exactly what someone would say if itwaslike that.”
I rolled my eyes, but my fingers itched to unlock the screen and see the message. My thumb hovered for a moment before Roxie’s voice cut through my hesitation.
“You know, you don’t have to hide things from me. I’m not going to tell anyone. But this—I need details. Right now. Is it cute? Flirty? Romantic?”
I couldn’t help the small smile tugging at my lips. “It’s … complicated. But yes, it’s definitely flirty.”
She gasped, putting a hand over her heart. “Flirty! Ohhh, now you’re hiding something really good. Iknewyou weren’t immune to men. I want the details, girl.”
I sighed, finally letting my curiosity win over embarrassment. I tapped the message, and the screen lit up withTheWriteGuy’s name at the top, his latest message waiting.
TheWriteGuy
Hey, just wondering if you made it home safely.
I’d told him before I’d left tonight that I was being dragged out with a friend.
Roxie practically lunged for the phone. “Livvi! This is so cute.”
I snatched it back, laughing despite myself. “Roxie!”
“I had no idea you were not only crushing on Talon but also messaging a guy online.” She wagged two fingers at me. “Who is this guy?”
I groaned. “He’s … someone I’ve been talking to online. That’s all. I don’t even know what to call it yet.”
Roxie’s face lit up. “Talking online? Youhaveto tell me everything. What’s he like? Flirty? Mysterious?”
I resisted the urge to grin too much. “He’s … mysterious. And definitely flirty.”
She practically squealed, bouncing a little on the couch. “Your life is officially way more interesting than mine.”
I laughed, trying to hide my fluttering excitement. “It’s not that exciting, I swear.”
“Sure.” She gave me that unmistakable Roxie look I’d become accustomed to. “Keep telling yourself that while you grin like an idiot at your phone.”
I shook my head, smiling despite myself. Somehow, Roxie had a way of making the complicated feel a little lighter. And for a moment, I let myself think that maybe it was okay to feel a little excited about both worlds—messy, flustering, and unpredictable as they were.
I wasn’t used to having a man in my life, let alone two, so I might as well let myself enjoy it.
I typed out a quick response.
ReadToLiv
Made it home safely, thanks. How was your night?
Roxie gave me a quizzical look. “And you really don’t know who he is?”
“Nope.”
“How did you two start talking?” she asked, pulling her feet up on the couch.