Page 25 of Heartache Duet

Connor: I couldn’t if I tried.

Ava: Yeah? Because for a minute there, I’m pretty sure you did.

Connor: When?

Ava: The whole Rhys thing?

Connor: …

Ava: About how you make me uncomfortable…

Connor: Ohhhh! You mean *that* thing.

Ava: …

Connor: So what exactly did you mean by that?

Ava: You don’t want to know.

Connor: I mean… I asked, right?

The three dots on the screen appear, disappear. Again and again. My anxiety builds. And builds. To the point of—

Ava: So these serial killers…

Shaking my head, I smile at her response.

Connor: What’s your middle name, Ava?

Ava: I have two. Elizabeth Diana.

Connor: Like, the Royal family?

Ava: lol. Yes. My mom was a little obsessed. What about you, Connor? What’s your middle name?

Connor: Jordan.

Ava: As in Michael? Lol. Did you have your whole life planned out before you were even born?

Connor: I’d love to say yes, but no. Just a fluke, I guess.

Ava: Got it.

Connor: Yep.

Ava: So…

Connor: So…

Ava: I should probably get back to this homework.

Connor: yeah, I should probably do the same.

Ava: See you at school?

Connor: Yep.

I drop my phone in my desk drawer, slam it shut. Keep it away from temptation. Because sending her useless, one-word texts is the second-best time I’ve had since I moved here. The best was when she was riding shotgun in my car.