“Oh really? Are you in any productions right now?”
“Not right now, no. I just wrapped upThe Hunchback of Notre Dame, though.”
This felt strange. They were the only two people left on the Discord channel. Rosie felt cornered. If she’d been at a bar somewhere, she’d be getting up to leave.
“I can’t believe Matt found a girl who’s aStar Warsfan as well as a gamer.”
“I’m really more fan than gamer. I don’t have time for a lot of video games.”
“That’s a shame, you’re pretty good for a rookie.”
“I’ll try not to let the squadron down on Saturday.”
He chuckled. “I wasn’t worried about that. Say, you uh, you got a photo of yourself? We’ve never met you in real life, and I was curious what you looked like.”
And that’s where this was going to end. “You’ll get to meet me on Saturday. I need to get my sleep schedule on track so I can show up.”
“Okay. Good night, Rosie.”
“Good night.”
She disconnected, and immediately guilt hit her chest. He was only trying to get to know her, not be a creep. Still, she didn’t like that he’d asked her for a photo.
Rosie put her laptop and headset away, then got ready for bed. Her phone chimed with a text message.
Matt: Good flying tonight. See you Saturday.
Rosie: You too! See you then.
She snuggled under her quilt, her mind racing a mile a minute. Why was he all friendly, protective even, on the internet, but not in person? Rosie sighed inwardly, then shook her head in frustration. She had to get over this useless crush.
The more she thought about it, the more she wondered if maybe the best way to get over a crush was to find someone else to crush on. What if Keith was actually a nice guy? Maybe she just didn’t know what standard behavior on the internet was. Interactions were always better in person because you could get a handle on body language that way. Maybe Keith, or even Damir, could be the answer to getting over her best friend’s little brother.
Only a few more days, and she’d have fulfilled her favor to Mia. She just hoped she didn’t freak out about all the strangers in the tournament. Rosie hated crowds.
Matt was getting ready for bed himself when he got a text from Mia. He hadn’t even realized she’d put her number in his phone.
Mia: How’s it going with Rosie?
Matt: She’s good at the game, and the squadron got along fine.
Mia: That’s not what I mean.
Matt: Um … what did you mean, then?
Mia: I’m guessing you haven’t told her how you feel.
Matt’s silence said volumes.
Mia: Okay, I’m going to give you a tip because I like you.
Mia: Just not in that way.
Mia: Offer to drive her to the tournament.
Matt: I can’t. I don’t have time to drive home to get her after work.
Mia: Well, make time. Trust me.
