Page 22 of Romeo

Ma Belle: There are three songs about women ruining men’s lives.

Me: Educational material.

Ma Belle: And two about running from the law.

Me: Aspirational material.

I could see the eye roll from Nebraska. That little crease would form between her brows right before her mouth betrayed her and curved into a smile.

Fuck, I wanted to see that smile in person.

Ma Belle: Should I be worried?

Me: Only if you plan to ruin my life.

Ma Belle: That sounds suspicious.

My thumb hovered over the keyboard.

Suspicious?

She had no idea.

Me: Which song did you like?

Ma Belle: The last one.

Me: That’s the only love song.

Ma Belle: I noticed.

That wiped the grin off my face.

She’d listened to the whole damn playlist.

More importantly, she’d noticed which song didn’t belong with the rest.

The one I’d buried at the end where I could pretend it hadn’t been put there for a reason.

Me: Interesting.

Ma Belle: Don’t make it weird.

Me: I haven’t said anything.

Ma Belle: You’re being smug through text.

Me: It’s a gift.

Ma Belle: It’s irritating.

Me: You keep replying.

Ma Belle: Someone has to humble you.

Me: That sounds like a long-term commitment.

I watched the screen.