Trace of Innocence (No Control Book 3)

Chapter 23

(No Control - 23. Change Your Ticket)

It seems like an eternity before I get a reply back.

From: @jessie_braddy: I have a date with my laptop. Don't be jealous! x

My heart lurches at the first part of the message - for a second I think she's telling me she actually has a date. But then I read on and find myself feeling relieved.

I'm going to ask her out. Here goes.

To: @jessie_braddy: Think I am a little bit. How about a date with me instead? Would your laptop mind? x

I'm actually quite proud of that one. See, I can be funny when I don't overthink things.

From: @jessie_braddy: I don't think my laptop would mind at all. I'm sure I can shuffle a few things around x

BACK OF THE NET. Wait, was that definitely a yes?

To: @jessie_braddy: So is that a yes? x

From: @jessie_braddy: Looks like it is :) x

I'm grinning stupidly. She said yes to a date. Get in.

"You look pleased with yourself," Mum remarks.

"That's because I am," I say cockily.

To: @jessie_braddy: Great. Shall I pick you up at 8? We could go for some dinner x

From: @jessie_braddy: Sure. Do you need directions? x

Ahahaha I'm laughing, she just said directions.

I resist the urge crack a pathetic joke about One Direction.

To: @jessie_braddy: Your postcode is in my Sat Nav. What number are you? x

From: @jessie_braddy: Flat 2. I'll look out for you x

I need to get her number. Balls, I'm gonna have to tell her I put mine in her phone. I have a feeling she hasn't seen it.

To: @jessie_braddy: OK. Text me from your phone so I have your number x

From: @jessie_braddy: I would but I don't have yours! x

Ah. Awkward. Yes you do, Jessie Braddy.

To: @jessie_braddy: Yes you do. Check your contacts ;) x

It's a couple of minutes before I get a reply.

From: @jessie_braddy: How did your number get in my phone?

Uh oh. No kiss on the end. She's probably thinking I'm a stalker.

To: @jessie_braddy: I put it in there, in case you wanted to text me x

From: @jessie_braddy: You put it there?? When?!

Oh my God, she really didn't know it was there. That makes me happy - at least now I know she wasn't ignoring me on purpose.

Still no kiss though. I hope she isn't pissed off.

To: @jessie_braddy: When I gave you a lift home and you thought your phone was playing up. I put my number in your contacts x

I finish the last bite of my bacon sandwich and take my cup of tea into the lounge. I flop down on the sofa and my text message alert beeps. It's from a random number, and just says Hey, it's Jess x

I quickly save her number and text her back.

To: Jess: How do I know it's definitely you? You could be a crazy stalker ;) x

I laugh at the irony.

From: Jess: Ditto. You're the one who sneaked your number in my phone without telling me. Maybe you're a crazy stalker? x