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Nova: I would really appreciate it if you would take my phone call… please Luca, let me explain.

Luca: Great. Hit me with your best shot…

Nova: I want to start by apologizing—again. I am so sorry, Luca. I was caught off guard and feel terrible you were put in that position.

Luca: That position? You mean the position where the woman I’m on a date with pretends we weren’t on a date? This is the second time you refused to be seen with me—remember that time I had to wait in your bedroom and hide so Gio wouldn’t know I was in your apartment? Remember that? Cause I do.

Nova: I thought we’d moved on from that…

Luca: I’m just wondering how you would feel if the roles were reversed. That’s what I’m wondering.

Nova: I know I messed up. I do. I hated saying what I said. It didn’t feel good. I feel like a jerk and if I could take it back, I would. A million times over.

Luca: You didn’t hesitate. You’re acting as if I were the problem here.

Nova: Okay. That is valid. I hear you and deserve this. But I’m asking—begging—for another shot. A redo. A do-again but BETTER, less-traumatic, more-kissing version of last night.

Luca: You’re joking but I’m still mad.

Nova: I’m not joking. I’m groveling and happen to grovel very well. I’ll send an apology cookie cake. Maybe with your face on it??

Luca: Don’t tempt me. I’m emotionally unstable and easily won over by dessert.

Nova: I KNOW. That’s why I’m going to exploit it shamelessly.

Nova: Luca—I can’t fix this if you don’t tell me how. It’s been three days and I miss you. I miss the way you look at me when I say something dumb, but act like it’s brilliant. I miss your handsome face and cute laugh and…

Nova: Please stop icing me out. PLEASE. I get it. I hurt you. But this isn’t a fling to me, I promise…

Nova: Can we talk about this in person?

Luca: I don’t know.

Nova: I’ll let you yell at me.

Luca: When have you ever seen me raise my voice?

Nova: Never? But there’s a first time for everything and you might feel good doing it.

Luca: Nope. I won’t.

Nova: If it makes you feel better, I’m mad at me too…

Luca: Just give me a minute—this isn’t something I can brush off in a text. I also don’t not want to see you but right now this feels too chaotic for me.

Nova: You thrive in chaos. You play a sport where people throw punches and lose teeth and still say “good game.”

Luca: Well, even hockey has penalties. And right now, you’re in the box.