Player's Guide To Catfishing (PLAYBOOK #1)

CHAPTER 4: Stranger Danger?

LIAM

"What's with you?" Jonathan grabs his root beer off the tray.

"I thought I saw someone I knew." I remove my straw from its wrapper and I try to keep calm.

I'm not sure if Vecker really doesn't know me or if she's pretending. But as I watch her bring our food then clear the table before bringing leftovers and dessert which is a slice of pie. It actually looks like she doesn't know me.

Which could only mean, I've been...catfished?

Me?

No.

I stare at her behind the counter as we prepare to leave and either she's a really good actor or the worst thing just happened to me.

Not a catfish.

It can't be.

I try to let it go but when we get home and her cell starts going to voicemail. My calmness begins to chip away.

Normally I wouldn't text or call her at this time because she's usually busy till 11pm and I'm never this irrational but this can't wait. I call and call till eventually I'm in my car driving back to the diner.

"Hey. Did you leave something behind earlier?" Vecker greets when I sit on the counter stools.

There's only one customer left so they must be closing soon.

"No, I—I" I stutter when the other customer calls for her.

"How about I give you time to decide as I get his bill," she smiles politely and I nod like an idiot.

Four months.

I've been talking to this girl, thinking about her for 4 months. Now there's a possibility she might be a catfish?

No!

"Liam right?" She pours coffee in a mug and pushes it to me. "What can I do for you?"

"I'm not sure." I tap the handle as she puts a pot of sugar and creamer next to it. "Can you answer a few questions?"

I must sound desperate because she walks around the counter and sits next to me after pouring herself a cup. Two spoons of sugar and a lot of milk, is the way she likes it.

"Sure." She crosses her creamy legs as the other customer leaves.

"Do you attend Oakwood University?"

"I do, I'm a junior."

That's one fact.

"Are you Russian? I can't help but catch the way you pronounce certain things like your name." I point at her name tag. "Your accent slips a little," and it's adorable.

But who knew the other 's was silent?

"I am. I lived there till I was 8."

My heart sinks because that's two.

"Do you have a twin? And are you a music major?" I push my cup away.

My body is heating up on its own and I need to stay calm.

"Yes, to both." Her voice shakes a little, "may I ask why you're asking me all this?"

Four.

"I'm trying to figure something out." I clear my throat. "Are you sure you've never talked to me? Not even on blackbook?"

I ask the dreaded questions.

There's a chance it's all a big misunderstanding. No one looks like their pictures sometimes, I'd understand if she was confused.