Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 102607 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 513(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 342(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102607 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 513(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 342(@300wpm)
Luca: And…
Nova: ??? yes…???
Luca: I don’t actually walk around thinking every girl in a ten-mile radius wants me. In fact, the one I do want is currently fighting me over text instead of just admitting she likes me back.
Nova: Whoa.
Nova: Whoa, whoa, whoa. I did not expect that level of honesty LOL
Luca: Alright my turn. What’s something you don’t let people see about you?
Nova: Umm…hmmm…
Luca: Take your time.
Nova: I’m thinking—give me a second LOL
Nova: Well. Honestly, one thing people don’t see if that I wish my parents were still alive. And I hate relying on Gio so much—he’s my brother, not my father, but I find myself leaning on him. It’s embarrassing sometimes.
Nova: Was that real enough for you?
Luca: For what it’s worth, I don’t think it’s embarrassing.
Nova: It feels embarrassing—and I can’t believe I admitted that in writing.
Luca: Why?
Nova: Because I should have my life figured out by now. I should be able to stand on my own without my brother’s help.
Luca: Says who?
Nova: Says society!
Luca: You’re human, Nova. You lost your parents. It’s okay to need people.
Nova: Even if I don’t want to?
Luca: Especially if you don’t want to.
Nova: That makes no sense.
Luca: Sure it does. The people who act like they don’t need anyone are usually the ones who need someone the most.
Nova: So I’m a walking cliché? Barf.
Luca: That is NOT what I said. Needing people doesn’t make you weak. It doesn’t mean you don’t have your life together. It just means you’re not meant to do everything alone.
Nova: This is kind of heavy considering we were just eating dinosaur shaped nuggets.
Luca: Shit. Do you know what I just realized?
Nova: What?
Luca: WE FORGOT OUR CUP!!!!!!
Nova: NOooooo we paid for that cup!
Luca: I know. Shit. I should call and see if they can put it aside.
Nova: You are not driving back there for a cheap, plastic cup!
Luca: THE HELL I’M NOT! I want that thing—it was $15 bucks!
Nova: Oh my God.
Luca: It’s an investment piece. Practically a Babineaux family heirloom. Future generations will WEEP knowing we let it go so easily.
Nova: You need HELP.
Luca: What I need is our cup back.
Nova: You do realize we drank, like, one mediocre beverage out of it, right?
Luca: And it tasted BETTER because it came from a badass giraffe head.
Luca: You’re just mad because you want the cup, too.
Nova: I DO NOT.
Luca: Denial is the first stage of grief.
Nova: Are we going to share custody of this thing, or no?
Luca: I don’t know. You would have to see me again in order to do that.
Nova: Sounds like blackmail.
Luca: Admit it. You want to see me again.
Nova: I want my half of the cup.
Luca: Oh, YOUR half? Interesting.
Nova: If we’re sharing custody, I deserve equal rights.
Luca: Fine. But that means scheduled visitation.
Nova: How exactly would that work?
Luca: Weekly meetings. Probably over dinner.
Nova: Now this includes dinner? FREE dinner?
Luca: Listen—if we’re co-parenting this cup, we need to discuss logistics.
Nova: Hmmm.
Luca: Don’t act like you’re not considering it.
Nova: I could be persuaded.
Luca: Our child deserves stability, Nova.
Nova: Except when you left it behind at the restaurant.
Luca: That was a MISTAKE!
Nova: A huge mistake. A RECKLESS mistake. Maybe I should get full custody.
Luca: Whoa. Now you’re just being cruel.
Nova: Actions have consequences, Luca.
Luca: This is why we need weekly check-ins. To establish trust.
Nova: LOL you’re cracking me up…
Luca: So, when is our first custody exchange?
Nova: Well, I do like free dinner.
Luca: And I do like spending time with you.
Nova: Cute.
Luca: I try. What’s your availability?
Nova: I could do Friday.
Luca: Friday it is. Our child deserves only the finest care.
Nova: Done.
Luca: Amazing. I’ll bring the custody paperwork.
Nova: Please make it official-looking. I want bullet points and a contract.
Luca: Say less. I’ll draft up an ironclad agreement.
Nova: Can’t wait.
Luca: Oh, so you’re excitedddd.
Nova: On a scale of 1 to 10, I’m at a 5.
Luca: You are such a liar, Montagalo.
Nova: Can I ask you something?
Luca: Sure.
Nova: Why do you keep calling me by my last name?
Luca: You friend-zoned me so I wanted to make sure I kept you there. Ha ha.
Nova: Wow.
Luca: Am I wrong? I’m reinforcing the strictly platonic boundaries you set.
Luca: But if you hate it, I’ll stop.
Nova: I don’t hate it—but I also don’t love it.
Luca: What if we gave each other nicknames instead?
Nova: That depends.
Luca: On?
Nova: Whether or not your nickname for me is stupid.
Luca: LOL. I was going to be thoughtful about it and make it cute. Or sexy.
Nova: Like what?
Luca: Something just for me to call you. I’m thinking.
Nova: I’m listening…
Luca: Okay, hear me out. Drumroll please…
Luca: Starshine.
Nova: Starshine??
Luca: You know, because Nova. Supernova. Space. Stars.
Nova: Awww. That’s actually kind of cute.
Luca: Only KIND of?? It’s fucking perfect!
Nova: It’s pretty great…
Luca: Great. What’s my nickname going to be?
Nova: Hmmm. You have main-character energy…
Luca: Obviously.
Nova: So cocky.
Luca: Also: accurate.
Nova: What about Romeo?
Luca: Eh. I don’t love it. It doesn’t feel like me.