Page 61 of Crossing the Line
Pressing my lips together, I try to think of the best way to word what I want to say. “It’s kind of a long story, but I’m in Florida...with Aiden Lewis.”
She bursts out laughing, and I realize there are probably a million better ways I could have worded that.
When I don’t say anything, she goes, “Wait. Why aren’t you laughing?”
Looking up at the perfectly blue Florida sky, I say, “Because I’m actually in Florida with Aiden Lewis.”
“What in the world, Claire. How does that make sense?”
I shrug even though she can’t see me. “It doesn’t.”
She lets out another laugh. “You can say that again.” We’re both quiet for a moment until she says, “Did you hook up with Aiden Lewis?” Her voice is packed with excitement, but her question still makes my face turn red, and I’m glad she can’t see me.
“No...I don’t know. Not really.”
“Claire!” Her voice is practically a squeal now, and I no longer hear duct tape in the background, letting me know I have her full attention. “You hooked up with cute moody boy? This is amazing.”
“I didn’t hook up with him,” I say, trying to sound convincing.
“But you want to?”
I let out a huff. “Isn’t it too soon?”
“To what? Hook up with him, or like, date him? Do you like him or something?”
“I don’t know.” The words come out sounding more like a groan.
Another squeal. “You do!”
“But it’s too soon, right?” I try again.
She seems to consider my question for a moment before saying, “Well, that depends. Are you worried it’s too soon because of how you’re feeling, or because you’re worried about what other people will think? I’m going to go out on a limb here and say it’s the second.”
She knows me too well. “Probably.”
“In that case, no. If you’re over Garret—which there isn’t much to get over—and if you like Aiden—which it sounds like you do—I say go for it.”
For some reason, hearing Violet tell me there’s nothing wrong with exploring my feelings for Aiden makes them that much more real.
“This is the greatest phone call of my life,” she adds before I can say anything else.
“I’m glad I could entertain you.” I’ve reached The Patch, so I say, “Hey, I’ve got to run, but I’ll keep you posted on my travel plans.”
“Please keep me updated on a lot more than that.”
I let out a small laugh. “Okay.” Before she can hang up, I add, “Hey Vi?”
“Yeah?”
“Thank you.”
Softening her voice, she says, “You deserve to be happy, Claire.”
We hang up, and I’m about to enter the front patio of the restaurant when my phone rings again. Pulling it out of my bag, I say, “Do you really miss me that much?”
“Uh, what?”
I freeze.