Page 42 of You Fall First

I wanted the clock to start with a twelve, but I settled for ten minutes before the hour. And am I now pouring myself a bowl of Crunch Berries in my pajamas?

We’re back to yes.

Josephine Michaels, living her best life.

To clarify, I had Raisin Bran for breakfast, which is a completely legitimate meal of fiber, fruit, and dairy. And now, enjoying berries for my midday meal is, basically, in a roundabout way, almost healthy. I also took a shower and threw on clean pajamas plus a bathrobe and slippers. And if a woman can’t take advantage of, quite literally, the only silver lining of unemployment, what even is the point?

I’m not wallowing.

I’m celebrating me by consuming cereal for two meals in a row while binge-watching Love Island. Of course, when my phone buzzes in the pocket of my robe, I am relieved it’s not a FaceTime, because I do have a few pimple patches on my chin.

Unknown

Hey, there. I hope Dex gave you the heads-up that I asked for your number. Otherwise, this might seem out of the blue.

My brain takes exactly three seconds to figure out who sent this text from context clues, and I drop my spoon into the milk. As a splash lands on the phone, my inner temperature kicks up a few degrees.

I’m way more flustered than I should be. So rather than act like this is anything other than one acquaintance reaching out to another acquaintance, I decide my best course of action is to keep things light and tease him.

Honestly, if a girl can’t have a little fun while scarfing down her second bowl of cereal for the day, what even is the meaning of life?

Me

Sorry. Who is this?

Me

Wait. Floyd from the petting zoo?

Unknown

Nope. I was the tall cowboy with the big hat and bigger boots. There may or may not have been a snake in them …

Me

Sorry. Still not ringing a bell.

Unknown

I have your rabbit.

I let out a tiny snort and chew my lip. He responds again before I can.

Unknown

Apologies. That sounded way more like a hostage scenario than I intended.

Now I’m full-on grinning, and a blush creeps up my throat, although Noah probably simply wants to arrange a time to return Bugs to me. That would be a totally acceptable reason for him to reach out to the little sister of one of his close friends. What’s not appropriate is the way my stomach flutters with each new message.

He’s not asking you out, Jo.

The man showed zero interest in me the night we met. He’s got to be several years older than I am. And most importantly, he has no time for relationships. He made that pretty clear at dinner on Saturday. So why else could he be texting?

Dutton.

If something was wrong with him or Paige, I assume Noah would’ve led with that news. Either way, I’ve got to stop with the silly texts and fluttering stomach immediately.

Me