ELLIOT
My phone chimes just as I’m leaving my apartment later that night to go down to Jo and Jordan’s. When I pull it out, there’s a text from an unknown number.
Unknown
I forgot to ask you not to tell your brother who I really am.
My smile spreads because holy hell—Amelia. She texted, and it feels like the opening salvo ofsomething. I add her to my contacts immediately. When I said I would never mess her up, I meant it. I meant it enough that I opened up the faculty handbook earlier this afternoon and discovered that there is, in fact, a very strict non-fraternization rule for faculty and students, even grad students. Not that I think she would agree to date me if there wasn’t, but I just like to know what I’m working with.
Being around her this morning just solidified for me that what I felt on the plane was not a fluke and was, in fact, very,very real. But if it has to wait until I’m no longer her professor and advisor, then I’ll wait. I’m a guy who brings almost dead plants back to life for fun. I can be patient when the payoff is worth it. And my gut tells me that Amelia Sullivan is worth everything.
I sit right down on the landing and respond.
Me
Who is this?
Amelia
How many people today told you they were keeping their real identity a sort of secret?
Me
More than you might think.
Amelia
That makes me wonder what kind of people you’re hanging around with.
Me
Mystery Girl, if you’re wondering about me, that means you’re thinking about me, and that makes me a happy guy.
Amelia
You can’t call me that.
Me
You said I can’t call you that when I’m advising you. Or teaching you. Right now, I’m just sitting here on the steps outside my apartment texting you, neither teaching nor advising, so I’m pretty sure the nickname is fair game.
Amelia
Why are you sitting on the steps instead of inside your apartment?
Me
I was heading to my brother’s, but then you texted.
Amelia
You couldn’t text and walk?
Me
I wanted to give you my undivided attention. My brother only lives one floor down from me. That’s not long enough to have a text conversation worthy of how awesome you are.
Amelia
