I shook my head.
“Then the first thing you need to do is tell him the truth. He needs to know this isn’t a joke or a lesson or anything but real to you. He needs to know you have feelings for him.”
“And what if he doesn’t feel the same way?” I felt dejected and hopeless.
“Then you have to face reality and end this before you get hurt even more. Are you sure he doesn’t remotely feel the same? I mean he’s always been nothing but kind to you, he’s always over even when Mitchell isn’t there. I know Mitch has hinted—”
“Hinted at what?”
“That Devin might feel something for you. He’s never said anything. But I know he was worried about Devin staying there. Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that you might be surprised. Just be honest with him, Christy.”
I nodded my head right as I saw Mitch walk toward the desk. “Please don’t tell Mitch. I don’t want him to know. Not yet, anyway.”
“Fine, but after you tell Devin, you need to tell Mitch.”
I nodded my head and watched her stand up. She moved the chair back right as Mitch came up to my desk.
“I tried to call you, but it was forwarded to voicemail. I figured you were either coming out here or talking with Christy.”
“Your assumptions were correct.” She smiled at him and their hands clasped together. “Are you sure you don’t want to come?”
I shook my head. “No. You go ahead without me. Believe me, you don’t need me crashing what I know is going to happen.”
“She’s right, hon. Now let’s go.”
Megan was blushing as they turned to walk out of the building.
* * *
When Megan and Mitch left, Devin texted me. He asked if I wanted to do lunch. I declined. I told him I promised one of the girls in the office to eat with her. I’m sure he saw through the lie. But I wasn’t sure if I could just eat lunch with him and not keep myself from blurting out the truth about my feelings. And I certainly wasn’t going to tell him in a restaurant with eyes watching our every move.
I looked at my phone during my break, and saw only one text from Devin.
Don’t be angry.
If you are upset with me,
give me a chance to
exonerate myself.
—————————————————-
I’m sorry
Of course I texted him back. I wasn’t upset with him. It was more like I was upset with myself.
I’m not upset with you, Dev. I’ve been
preoccupied. I’m on my 15-minute break.
So I can only talk so long.
It’s been weird not talking with you. I thought
maybe something was up. We need to talk.
—————————————————-
Sent from the iPhone of Devin Malone
I agree. Let’s meet at my place tomorrow.
Mitch and Megan will be out late—she told me.
And Emily has a study group—i.e. She
won’t be back until close to midnight.
Okay sounds good. I’ll see you tomorrow.
You don’t have class tomorrow?
—————————————————-
Sent from the iPhone of Devin Malone
Nope. I turned in the paper online and only
those who didn’t complete it have to come to class.
Nicely done. I will see you tomorrow.
Are you done at 9 tonight?
—————————————————-
Sent from the iPhone of Devin Malone
Yeah. 9. I’ll be going straight home and straight to bed.
Then goodnight, don’t let the bedbugs bite.
—————————————————-
Sweet dreams, Cutie Pie
* * *
The next day, I forgot my phone at home and I didn’t realize it until right before lunch. I had been so busy right from the start. There were several VIP clients who came in and I had to make sure the food ordered for them was delivered on time and I had to be on my best behavior. I was specifically told not to be caught on my phone or computer for personal reasons. So naturally I didn’t even remove my phone from my bag, or at least the phone I thought was in my bag. Anyway, now I actually needed it. I had to stay a little later than planned due to a project that needed to get done.
I thought I had left my phone on the kitchen table.
I even tried calling Devin but either his phone was turned off or it was dead. I left him a message anyway just in case.
Chapter Fourteen
When I left work, I decided to run home and get my phone. I felt naked without it, and I was worried that Devin had been trying to get ahold of me. I pulled up to the house and was thrilled to see his car. He was here! I couldn’t wait to tell him that I loved him.