Page 19 of Eyes on Me


Font Size:  

“Being shy again, I see.”

I type out my response.

I’m just here to see you.

“That’s sweet. But I liked seeing you last time.”

Maybe later. Let’s just talk today.

I watch her read my messages, a tight-lipped, curious expression on her face. I wonder what she’s thinking right now. If the mystery of the man on the other end of the line is enough to keep her interested. Does she always give these men that dimpled grin and genuine warmth she’s giving me now? Have I ever seen her look at me like this in real life?

“What would you like to talk about, Drake?”

Tell me about yourself. I like to hear you talk.

Her expression softens. “Okay…” She reclines on the bed, looking up into the camera as she cuddles against a pillow, and I lie on the couch, almost mirroring her position, as she tells me everything I already know about her. And yet, it’s like I’m hearing it for the first time.

She talks about gymnastics, her failed attempts at cosmetology school, college, bartending, singing, and then again, her artistic skills. How many times did I tease her about her lack of direction and constant failures? Why did I have to pick on her so much about it?

I don’t feel like picking on her now. Instead, I type out my response.

At least you tried.

Sometimes trying is the hardest part.

You don’t want to get to an age and realize that you missed out on something because you never gave it a shot.

She laughs. “Well, tell my family that. They probably all think I’m one huge failure.”

I’m sure they don’t.

So how did you end up here, doing this?

She shrugs. “I guess I finally found something I’m good at.”

Do you like it?

“Sometimes. I like meeting new people. I like the way they make me feel about myself. And…I like the money. So, I can’t really complain.”

Are you happy?

She reads the question and seems to deliberate for a moment, twisting her lips as she thinks about it. “Yeah. I’m happy.”

I’m not convinced. What was that look for?

Her pensive expression breaks into a smile. “Nothing. I just…wish I could connect like this in person. For some reason, it’s so much easier over the phone or in messages or even on camera. But the minute I try to feel something with anyone in real life, I put my guard up.”

My thumbs hover over the keyboard for a moment. Even more than the video chat last night, this feels intimate. Mia is telling me shit she would never tellmeif she knew I was the one on the line. There’s no way. It’s like I’m meeting this girl for the first time.

“What about you? I’ve talked enough about me.”

What do you want to know?

“Hmmm…what do you do for a living?”

Might as well stick with the lie. If I’m going to pretend to be Drake, then I’ll be Drake.God, this feels so fucking wrong.

Construction.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
Articles you may like