Rumor Has It (Rumor Has It #1)(21)

Emerald22: #SecretSunday





I smile, as I reply.

BigBaller27: What does that mean?

Emerald22: Tell me something

Emerald22: Tell me something no one else knows :)





I bite the inside of my lip. This is interesting. But what can I say? I don't have any secrets that Matt doesn't already know.

BigBaller27: My best friend knows most of my secrets

Emerald22: Yeah, so does mine :/

Emerald: Okay, something only your best friend would know ;)





My first thought is about Sarah since it just happened. I think about telling her that I'm looked at as a player, with all this experience, but it's all fake. I decide not to though. First of all, that just makes me sound like a douche. And secondly, what if she really does have experience. That'd be a little embarrassing. Then I remember something else I think about from time to time, even though I try not to. Something only Matt knows.

BigBaller27: Okay…

BigBaller27: Everyone knows it's just my mom and me. That my dad left when I was little.

BigBaller27: What most people don't know, is it's because I walked in on him having sex with my babysitter when I was five. I was little and had no idea what was happening, so I told my mom. There was a huge argument that night and the next day he was gone. I haven't seen him since.





I stare down at my phone, nervous about hitting the send button. This is one of the most intimate details of my life I’m sharing with her. Letting out a breath, I hit send.





Chapter 14





Emma





Oh. My. God. I blink as I re-read the screen a few times. I’m instantly regretting thinking of this stupid game. Stupid Lana, with her stupid comment about sharing stupid secrets. It’s not that I feel weird about him sharing something so private with me. It’s the opposite. He’s trusting me. He’s sharing this part of his life with me, that almost no one else knows about. It’s in that moment that I know I have to meet him. But first I should apologize.

Emerald22: Oh God, I’m so sorry

BigBaller27: It's no big deal. I mean, I guess it was at the time, but u know

Emerald22: No, it is a big deal. I feel horrible

BigBaller27: Don’t. I don’t mind sharing that with you :) Plus, my mom is a great ‘father’ for me too

Emerald22: Thank u but I DO! I thought this would be a fun little thing, but it got super serious. And I have literally nothing as serious as that

BigBaller27: Well that’s a good thing

Emerald: No, I feel so stupid now. My secret is so dumb and inconsequential compared to yours

BigBaller27: Secrets are secrets :) what’s urs?





I bite my bottom lip as I type in my answer, feeling like it’s the lamest secret in the world now.

Emerald22: I have this tiny scar on the bottom of my chin. You can't really see it anymore, especially if I'm wearing make-up, but it's there. I got it when I was seven after falling off my bike. It needed three stitches, and all the boys made fun of me at school because of it :/





I wait patiently for him to laugh at me. Laugh at my horrible excuse of a secret, compared to the life-altering one he shared with me. When he replies, most of my nerves dissipate, and I smile.

BigBaller27: I would’ve beat up any boy who laughed at you ;)





Butterflies.

Emerald22: We should meet.

BigBaller27: Yes!

BigBaller27: When?

BigBaller27: Where?

BigBaller27: Sorry, was that too quick of a reply? >//<





I let out a little laugh at his embarrassed emoji and excitement, which gets me excited.

Emerald22: How about tomorrow? During lunch?

BigBaller27: Absolutely. Where?





I don’t want it to be in the cafeteria, with everyone around. In the quad could work, but then I’d have Jen, Micah, and Lana all looking over each other, waiting. Of course, I’ll tell them who he is, but I want this to be private first. Just for us.

Emerald22: How about the courtyard, near the front of the school. There’s that grassy area and that big oak tree?

BigBaller27: Perfect. How will I know who you are?





A smile creeps across my lips.

Emerald22: I’ll be wearing my Hogwarts Hufflepuff shirt, sitting under the oak tree.

BigBaller27: Um, hufflepuff???

Emerald22: U know, from Harry Potter?

BigBaller27: I’ve only seen the movies, and it’s been a while.

Emerald22: Ugh, you have so much to learn lol

BigBaller27: Can’t wait for you to teach me ;D





I can’t contain the smile on my face.

Emerald22: Fine. I’ll be wearing a Star Wars shirt. Better?

BigBaller27: Now that I can recognize.

Emerald22: Okay :)

BigBaller27: Okay





The nerves are building up in my stomach, and suddenly I have no idea what to talk about.

Emerald22: So… I guess I’ll see u tomorrow

BigBaller27: I guess you will ;)





It's just an emoji. I shouldn't read anything into it, but I can't help it. He was so excited by his response and ready to meet. And I’m ready to meet.