Page 131 of Anything But Lonely

Just not in the way they would understand.

I check Ava’s texts.

Ava

What do you want to eat? Anderson and I will come drop off food

Don’t worry about it

Mateo’s picking up dinner

Then Rumi’s.

Rumi

Emerson Roxanne

Pick up the phone

Right now

Please

On the phone with Mateo

Call you later!

Then my brother’s.

Jack

If I don’t hear from you tomorrow, I’m coming over.

No need. Mateo’s on his way

Finally, Mateo’s.

Mateo

Do you need me to come over?

My chest tightens.

Because the answer is yes.

But I can’t make myself type it.

So instead, I send the thing I’ve gotten too good at saying.

No. I’m okay

I just need to sleep it off, and I don’t want to get you guys sick.

Tell Crew I’m sorry.

I’ll see you guys soon xx

The buzzing eventually stops.