Page 7 of Married to Lies

I hit send before I could second guess. After the text went through, I said to Bryce, “What do I do if she rejects me?”

“It might not be you she’s rejecting. Just the situation,” he reminded me.

His words lifted an invisible weight from my shoulders. “If she rejects the situation,” I amended. “What then?”

Bryce said, “Let’s focus on Plan A before we deal with B.”

I nodded, looking at my screen.

Three bubbles had popped up.

My chest constricted, making it hard to breathe.

Rei: He lives.

My lips curved as I read her message. “Plan A it is.”

3 Rei

Two weeks ago

Rei: He lives.

Unknown number: I do.

Rei: I kind of thought you’d never text me.

Unknown number: I kind of thought that too.

Rei: Who are you?

Text bubbles appeared and disappeared dozens of times before I grew impatient and sent another message.

Rei: Look, I’ll make it easy for you. You don’t need to text me your name, but no more of this anonymous stuff.

Rei: Either talk to me in person or leave me alone.

Rei: The first sticky note was cute, but we’re at dozens now.

Rei: It’s getting kind of stalkery.

Rei: Please don’t be a stalker. Okay? Okay.

Unknown number: I’m not a stalker.

Rei: That’s exactly what a stalker would say.

More text bubbles came and went. Then finally…

Unknown number: I want to meet you in person. Where? When?

Rei: You know where to find me.

Rei: ...Which I’m now realizing is something I would say to a stalker.

Rei: Gosh. This is *not* looking good for you. Maybe you are a stalker.

Unknown number: Okay?