Holding onto You

Three

Helena | Adam

        IT WAS A QUARTER PAST four in the morning when one of the two phones on my nightstand chimed, but I wasn't asleep. I didn't know how long I'd just been lying there, studying the shadows cast by the glow of the floor lamp in the corner of my small room, listening to nothing but the late-night silence. The world seemed still, almost perfectly quiet.

        My sister, Emmy, had been in bed when I got home a few hours ago, and I was grateful I hadn't needed to wrack my brain for a reason, or to explain why, I couldn't wipe the dreamy smile off my face.

        Slowly blinking my eyes clear, I peeked at the lit-up screen, hoping it was another text from Adam, that my unexpected conversation with him wasn't just going to be a one-time thing. 

        The rational part of my mind reminded me that this was a bad idea. But there was just something about talking to him—something about him—that felt right, in a way that nothing had before.

        Much to my relief, I discovered that the new message on Finn's phone was from his brother and not from some low-level wannabe gangster. Given everything Adam had told me about him, it could have been a burner phone for all I knew. Yes, even more reason to get rid of it, but my stomach tipped upside down, because that meant I'd be losing this feeling and my connection to Adam. 

        Even if it made me lame, I couldn't seem to help it.

        I chewed on the inside of my lip—a nervous habit—as I read and re-read his message.

Are you awake? I can't sleep.

Lucky for you, I am, I finally typed out.

Isn't it like... 4:26 a.m. for you?

Tell me about it. I can't sleep, either.

Happen to you a lot?

Sometimes.

Same.

It's like, I'm tired, and I know I'll hate myself in the morning, but I just can't fall asleep, what with all these thoughts whirling around in my head. Do you ever get that?

Yeah, I do. Although I've gotta admit, not tonight. I can't sleep because of... something else.

???

        His answering text was instant.

Let's just say that the place I'm staying at has thin walls.

What?

Ohhh. Gotcha.

Wait, isn't it a penthouse suite? I figured you'd have that sprawling city view all to yourself.

There's another suite across the hall.

You poor, hapless male. Maybe you should just go ahead and rent out the whole complex?

Maybe I will... but then that means I'd have to move, and these Egyptian cotton sheets are super-duper comfortable.

First world problems, lol.

You did not just send me "lol." How old are you again?

Says the guy who just used the word super-duper.

Touché.

So, Helena, how is it you know all of this stuff about me, yet I know next to nothing about you?

There's not much to know.

Humor me.

I'm actually pretty boring, Adam. Just your average gal.

I have a hard time believing that.

I'm trying to work out if that was supposed to be a compliment or not.

Definitely a compliment. I'm not in the habit of blowing off a conference call for just anyone.

I thought you said you were trying to sleep?

Maybe I just wanted an excuse to talk to you again.

        Warmth bubbled up in my chest, and I buried my face in my pillow, grinning in spite of myself. Guys like Adam—smooth-talking and self-assured—were my kryptonite.

That's sweet.

What can I say? I'm a sweet guy.

C'mon, let's at least even out the playing field a little. You know I have a younger brother who likes to get as high as a kite. I know you have a younger sister who's dating a dickhead. You know I'm a corporate traveler, and you know I attract all the wrong kind of women... until now.

Give me something more to work with.

You're persistent, I'll give you that.

        I noticed that the three little dots started bouncing again, indicating that Adam was typing a response. Then they disappeared, and I frowned. Minutes passed.

        Before I could question myself, my fingers ghosted over the keyboard, quickly tapping out another message.

Hmm. Let me think. All right, well, I'm in college, but I bartend a few night shifts a week, hence why I was late home tonight.

You're a bartender? Fuck, that's pretty hot.

Can't you tell me something unsexy? Make it easier for me to stay away?

Where's the fun in that?

Please?

Fine, but only because you asked nicely. I'm studying to be a nurse. So, you know, that generally involves me cleaning up a lot of bodily fluids.

Do I need to spell it out?

Nope. Roger that.

Damn, despite your best efforts, now I'm just picturing one of those sexy little nurse outfits. That backfired.

Haha. Aw, I'm sorry, Adam.

On that note, I should really try to get to bed. It's nearly 5 a.m. now. This girl's gotta get her beauty sleep.

Okay. Night, Helena.

Goodnight 😴