Page 71 of The Christmas Dash

I stare at my phone. The message screen between Gabe and me is blank, except for my two new messages. I’m not even sure I have the right number for him anymore.

I’m about to stow my phone when little dots pop up.

Gabe

Why would I have deleted your number?

I bite my lip, a thrill washing over me at the proof that he’s clung to the hope of me—of us—all these years.

Beth

Sometimes people clear out their phone contacts to keep things organized.

My fingers hover over the keys. I consider adding a message about how we haven’t texted in a while, but that would be a Captain Obvious thing to say.

Gabe

I’m not one of those people. I still have Old Man Jankins’s phone number in here.

Beth

You never know when you’re going to need a book recommendation.

Gabe

Or to borrow a pair of suspenders

I laugh.

“Who’re you texting?” Ivy walks over.

I clear my throat. “Just filling Gabe in on my idea.”

“So you two text now? Interesting.”

“Quiet, you.”

“I’m just saying. Ser-en-di-pi-ty.”

I roll my eyes, but I turn back to my phone with an eagerness I can’t deny.

Beth

So, thoughts on the sledding hill?

Gabe

I love it.

Beth

Yay! Me too. How’s your mom doing?

Gabe

Good. Taking it easy. She loves the tree. She doesn’t love sitting still.

I’m chuckling to myself at the image of Elena being disgruntled because she has to stay off her feet, but then my phone buzzes again. I glance down, and my pulse kicks up at Gabe’s words.