Page 61 of Fangirl

I scramble to grab it, fingers shaking.

Eli: Shit, sorry, Fangirl. Got called away. Just saw your message.

I barely process it before another message comes through.

Eli: You want to come see me?

The tight coil in my chest loosens just a fraction, but my hands are still unsteady as I type my response.

Me: Only if you want me to.

His reply is instant.

Eli: Of course I do.

I let out a breath, my whole body sagging with relief, but then…

Eli: I just… December doesn’t really work.

My heart plummets so fast that I actually feel sick.

Of course.Of coursehe’s backing out. I was an idiot to think this was anything more than an online fantasy.Maybe he has a girlfriend. Maybe he’s married. Maybe I’m just some fun little distraction, and I was stupid enough to believe it was real.

My brain starts spiraling, humiliating, self-destructive thoughts racing at full speed, when another message appears.

Eli: The thing is, I wanted it to be a surprise, but I’m coming to London in December for the Explosion Protocol premiere. And I was going to ask you to be my plus-one… but I guess you don’t want to.

I jump from the couch so fast that Pea hisses at me in alarm.

My thumbs fly over the keyboard.

Me: No

Me: Yes

Shit!

Me: No, I mean YES! I will be your plus-one!I squeal.Of course I’ll come with you!

I hit send, my pulse hammering in my ears.

Pea lets out a disgruntledmrrpfrom his perch.

I press my phone to my chest, breathing hard.

Holy. Shit.

This is really happening.

Eli: You would? What about the limelight?

I snort, shaking my head.

Me: Okay, no offense, but you’re a special effects guy. You’re not Hollander.

A pause.

Eli: What if I were?