CLOSER EACH SECOND

ANNA

I’ve barely had time to sip my tea when my phone rings, Lola’s name flashing on the screen. Perfect timing. I settle onto the couch and pick up, eager to pour out everything that’s been happening.

“Finally!” Lola's voice chirps. “I was starting to think you’d fallen off the face of the earth.”

I laugh, a bit too quickly. “Not quite, but close enough. There’s so much I need to tell you. I don’t even know where to start.”

“Well, I’m all ears. Spill it!” Her voice is giddy like she’s buckling in for a ride.

I take a deep breath, wondering where to begin. “Okay, so you know how everything’s been a bit…awkward with Damien?”

“Uh-huh, understatement of the year, Lola teases. “Go on.”

“Well,” I continue, “he’s…different lately. There’s this new side of him. This morning, he…he kissed me, Lola.” The memory still feels surreal, leaving me warm and flustered.

I can practically hear her jaw drop. “Hold up! You’re saying he kissed you, like, actually kissed you?”

“Yes! And it felt…nice,” I ad