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Paige: Well, I am nowbecause of your text. Isn't it illegal to wake people up this early?

Paige: Some form of torture?

Paige: Are you in danger? Distress? I thought people in charge got to make their own hours.

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I grin at her sharpness. She's not hiding her feelings at all, and I don't just appreciate it, I find it attractive. My thumb flies over my phone.

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Me: I'm an early bird.

Paige: Yeah, okay, but I'm not a worm.

Me: No. You're certainly not.

Paige: Are you flirting with me?

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I startle at her bluntness. Am I flirting? Of course I am, and I barely noticed because it's so natural.

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Me: I hope men saynicer things to you than pointing out you're not a worm.

Paige: You'd be surprised.

Me: Yes, I would. I figured someone as smart as you wouldn't spend time around idiots.

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There's a pause beforeshe messages again.

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Paige: Thanks. Also, nice backhand way to call yourself smart.

Me: Is it too early for compliments?

Paige: Usually I need my coffee first.

Me: What do you want from Starbucks?

Paige: Why, you're bringing me something?

Me: If you'll let me.

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Again there's a pause. I rub my thumb over my phone anxiously, trying to visualize Paige on the other side. Is she lying in bed? Getting mad at me pushing her to meet up so soon? I'm not used to this dance—I flub every encounter with girls, missing all the signs or just giving up on trying.

Paige is... different. Incredibly so.

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