I scramble to grab it, fingers shaking.
Eli: Shit, sorry, Fangirl. Got called away. Just saw your message.
I barely process it before another message comes through.
Eli: You want to come see me?
The tight coil in my chest loosens just a fraction, but my hands are still unsteady as I type my response.
Me: Only if you want me to.
His reply is instant.
Eli: Of course I do.
I let out a breath, my whole body sagging with relief, but then…
Eli: I just… December doesn’t really work.
My heart plummets so fast that I actually feel sick.
Of course.Of coursehe’s backing out. I was an idiot to think this was anything more than an online fantasy.Maybe he has a girlfriend. Maybe he’s married. Maybe I’m just some fun little distraction, and I was stupid enough to believe it was real.
My brain starts spiraling, humiliating, self-destructive thoughts racing at full speed, when another message appears.
Eli: The thing is, I wanted it to be a surprise, but I’m coming to London in December for the Explosion Protocol premiere. And I was going to ask you to be my plus-one… but I guess you don’t want to.
I jump from the couch so fast that Pea hisses at me in alarm.
My thumbs fly over the keyboard.
Me: No
Me: Yes
Shit!
Me: No, I mean YES! I will be your plus-one!I squeal.Of course I’ll come with you!
I hit send, my pulse hammering in my ears.
Pea lets out a disgruntledmrrpfrom his perch.
I press my phone to my chest, breathing hard.
Holy. Shit.
This is really happening.
Eli: You would? What about the limelight?
I snort, shaking my head.
Me: Okay, no offense, but you’re a special effects guy. You’re not Hollander.
A pause.
Eli: What if I were?
