Page 102 of Override

The realization is horrifying. Finally I settle on honesty. Or something close to it.

Me:

I once hacked into a satellite network because somebody told me I couldn't.

I stare at the message. Then send it. Immediately regret it.

"What does that even have to do with the question?"

The answer, unfortunately, is nothing. Absolutely nothing. Which means I'm now talking to myself and sending unrelated information to women.

Outstanding.

So like any sane person I send a second message.

Me:

Nobody involved asked if I was a man.

I drop my head back against the couch.

Somewhere in Chicago, Rachel just felt a disturbance in the force and doesn't know why.

Maeve's response appears before I've even set the phone down.

Maeve:

Are you avoiding the question?

I don't even think before answering.

Me:

Yes.

I stare at the message. Then immediately sit upright.

"Wait." My thumbs fly across the screen.

Me:

Wait.

No.

Too late.

The first message already delivered. I close my eyes. This is why I don't talk to people.

My phone vibrates again.

Maeve:

You are unbelievable.

I'm smiling again before I even notice.

Me: