Just Like Cinderella

Just Like Cinderella [19]

Josi choked back a laugh in an attempt to be quiet. The class was mostly empty and wouldn't start for another few minutes, but she didn't want to draw another glower from the only other person in the room with her, an emo chick who looked ready to send Josi to an early grave when earlier Josi interrupted her peace and quiet with a snort.

Josi understood the feeling. It was way too early for any normal person to be cheerful, but what the brunette didn't have was the best source of entertainment—aka Caleb Flynn. He wasn't in school yet, but he and Josi had been texting all morning ever since he sent her the first text asking her if she was available to hear him rant about his morning. Apparently, he'd woken up early to hit his home gym and walked in on one of his mom's middle-aged houseguests doing butt squats; now he was supposedly scarred for life. Josi had also been up earlier than usual that morning, so she'd texted back, and from there their mostly empty text chain was filled with random but humorous banter.

This was how it had been all week. He found a way to implement himself in her daily routine. Like yesterday, the one day she was free from work and he was free from practice, he had given her a ride again. Since no one was home, they spent a few more minutes idling in his car, talking about nothing in general till she went in. She still didn't know much about him, but the little things she picked up endeared her to him even more. He was the most charming person she'd ever met, with the goofiest sense of humor.

The only thing that worried her was her stepsisters who were alarmingly quiet. They had to have heard the rumor Kehlani started but they were yet to confront her about anything. Besides that, things were great. No more rumors, or angry Caleb-obsessed fangirls sending her glares—except maybe one or two. All in all, her friendship with him was like nothing she expected.

This was their first time texting since that Sunday, and this morning she had noticed his name was saved on her phone as Handsome. Obviously his doing but she couldn't remember how he got his hands on her phone. She brought it up now.

By any chance, did you misspell Caleb as handsome? she typed and sent.

His reply came instantly. Don't tell me you're just noticing.

Another text entered before she could reply.

You need to be a lot more observant, tigress.

What does that mean? That you stole my phone and returned it without me knowing? She wouldn't put it past him. That boy was unstoppable when he was determined.

Who do you think I am, James Bond? You guard your things with your life. I couldn't steal anything from you even in your sleep. I'm still working on a way to get you distracted.

She chuckled at that. Then how?

A magician never reveals his secret.

Josi rolled her eyes, though he wasn't there to see her. Flynn, I will hurt you if I need to ask again.

Settle down, little tigress, save all that violence for the bedroom.

There were times like this he made her contemplate murder. Caleb.

Remember that beautiful day we became friends?

As if she could forget. What about it?

You gave me your phone all too willingly. I was leaving when I asked and you gave me. I wanted to check how you saved my number. Only you didn't.