I put the box on my desk and grab my glasses. That’s when I notice that the box doesn't have a return address on it. The only thing on the front is my name and address, but there’s no actual postage. Weird.
After I rip it open, I see that it’s a brand-new iPhone. I can’t believe it, but I’m glad it’s here. Grabbing my broken phone out of my bag, I pull out the sim card and swap it with the new one. When I power it on, I click through the settings so I can use it today.
How the hell did I get a new phone so fast? It’s then I see a Post-it-size note in the box with a message.
Thought you might need this.
W
My stomach does another dip. He got me a phone? Holy crap. Why? He was so sweet last night, but this is too much. How can this man possibly be related to Kyle?
I quickly sign into my Apple account then put the phone down so it can do its thing while I get ready for school. One plus side to this new school is uniforms. At first I thought I’d hate them, but it does make it easy to get ready every day.
I pull my polo shirt on before I tug on the skirt and zip the side. I hear my phone start to go off as I put on knee socks and shoes. After I dart into the bathroom to finish getting ready, I grab my bag hanging on my desk chair then my new phone off my desk. The sense of dread comes back as I slide my finger over the phone to unlock it.
Has Kyle texted me? He was so taken aback when he tried to kiss me and I jerked away at the last second. You would have thought I’d smacked him. Then he verbally slapped me by saying, “A chubby girl doesn’t have the room to play hard to get” before he stormed off.
I should have known things were going to go really badly when he started throwing beers back the second we got to his place. He hadn’t been happy that I didn’t want to join him in the drinking either.
There are two texts from a number that doesn’t register to any of my contacts. Maybe they haven’t loaded over or I didn’t do something right when I transferred my other phone. I click the text and stop walking. That’s when I realize the unknown number is one that’s never texted me before. I quickly add him then scroll to read what he’s sent.
Walsh: Thought you might need this
Walsh: Text me back so I know you have a phone
I smile down at the phone then let out a small gasp when I see the bubbles pop up. He’s texting me right now, and then I realize he can also see I read his messages.
Walsh: I told you to text me.
The period at the end of that text while the others didn’t have them makes me think I’m in some kind of trouble. I respond quickly even though I sort of like the idea that I might be in a bit of trouble. Which is totally nuts because I always follow all the rules.
Me: I just got set up
Me: Promise!
Me: This was too much! You didn’t have to get me a phone. My sister would have gotten me one. I’ll pay you back.
Crap! Why did I send him so many texts at once? I’m beyond lame.
Walsh: You’re not paying me back.
He responds instantly.
“Why are you smiling like a goon?”
“Aren’t you supposed to be cooking?” I fire back as if I’ve been caught with my hand in the cookie jar.
“You’re smitten. It’s all over your face.” She grabs my arm and pulls me into the kitchen. “Tell me everything,” she demands. “Your date must have been fire.”
“I think whatever you’re cooking is on fire.” I point to the stove.
“Shit!” she squeaks before darting back over to it.
“Ma'am, would you like me to help?” Graham asks. He’s standing close by and already has an apron on.
“You make me sound so old when you call me ‘ma’am.’”
“Mrs. Walker,” he tries next.