19. Luke

Chapter 19

Luke

It was fate.

My expression is smug as I type out my message to Natalie.

I was already on this app, wading through all the hits for Natalie Wagner and variations of that name. But none of the profile pictures matched. And half the pictures weren’t even of the person.

But then a notification for a new like popped onto my screen.

It’s a shortened version of her name. But it’s her. I know it is.

Me: Hey Princess. Looking for pictures of my muscles?

It takes almost a full minute for her to reply.

Natalie: Were there muscles in that picture? I was just liking the cat.

Her sassiness brings me so much joy.

Me: Mr. Peter is pretty awesome. So I’ll let the slight slide.

Natalie: Your cat’s name is Mr. Peter?

Me: Technically, he’s my mom’s cat. But I named him.

Natalie: How old were you when you named him?

I grin at my phone and roll onto my back.

Me: Twenty-five. His full name is Mr. Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater.

Natalie: I… don’t know how to react to that.

I laugh.

“What’s so funny?” Jacob looks at me from his bed. “Why are you smiling like that?”

I crane my neck to look across at him. “None of your business.”

Dropping my head back onto my pillow, I type another message.

Me: Remind me why I agreed to room with my cousin.

Natalie: Because you’re a fool.

Me: It’s true. Just because his soon-to-be wife doesn’t want to spend the night with him, I don’t know how it became my problem.

Natalie: You’re a better cousin than I am.

I wonder…

Me: Does that mean you have a room to yourself?

Natalie: Of course. Not a fool, remember?

I smile at the phone.

Me: Need company?

Me: I’m a great roommate.

Me: Promise I don’t make a sound. I can even sleep on the floor if you want.

Natalie: My dad doesn’t allow sleepovers.

I snort.

Me: I can be your daddy tonight. And I’m fine with sleepovers.