Page 10 of Fangirl

Elijah: Lol, come on, we’re friends now. That’s pretty, Amy. Based on your reluctance, I expected something horrible like Gertrude.

Me: That’s my mother’s name.

I grin at the screen as the typing dots appear, disappear, then reappear.

Elijah: Shit, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that.

Me: Yes, you did, but that’s fine. My mother’s name is Susan.

A shocked-face GIF pops up, and I laugh out loud.

Elijah: I deserved that one.

Elijah: Okay, fine. Since you played along. I'm a special effects professional. Animation, mostly.

Me: So you do work in the industry.

Elijah: I never said I didn’t.

A pause.

Elijah: Tell me, Amy, my friend, what do you do in life?

I smile, channeling my mother’s tone.

Me: Well, I, too, work in the industry.

Elijah: Oh, I see. So you’re the wannabe actress. What happened? Did Jake reject you? Or did you not get a part in his movie?

I arch an eyebrow, surprised.

That’s a little intense for Mr."I don’t care about Jake Hollander."

Me: Look who’s being the judgmental asshole now. I’m an accountant for a major studio.

Elijah: Pinewood?

I curse myself.

Way to give your details to a complete stranger, Amy. Here’s another way to end up on an episode ofUnsolved Mysteries.

Elijah: Don’t worry. I’m thousands of miles away. I’m just glad to have a friend on the other side of the screen.

I stare at his message. Friend? Before I can overanalyze it, another message pops up.

Elijah: I’ll tell you a little more about myself if you want. I’m 26, from Indiana, moved to LA five years ago, fresh out of Purdue University. I started moderating to pay for my expenses, and it was pretty laid back. My first gig was for Will Winters, believe it or not.

I grimace.

Will Winters.

Another Hollywood heartthrob, older but a complete drug-and-alcohol-infused Casanova. Also Jake Hollander’s friend and former mentor.

Elijah: Your silence tells me you’re not a fan of him either.

Me: It doesn’t matter. At least this one is too old to be considered for the role of Anlon.

Elijah: He could play his dad?