I'm looking for opinions about the best ways for providers and hobbyists to connect, while being very discreet. Since it seems more providers want to text, I have adopted a burner phone to keep those messages private but to be able to communicate more frequently and effectively before a meeting. Although the phone is locked and private, I'm increasingly concerned about my additional phone being questioned as "a backup." ie. "Why do you need that old phone?" Is there a way to have a separate line on your current smartphone that can be locked and hidden, so those numbers and communication can be private on my everyday smartphone?    

There is a app called pinger.. if u have data u got a number 2 text n call from n use ur smartphone.

Set up a dummy account through Gmail. Then pick out a phone number. A prompt will pop up and ask you if you would like to add the app to your phone?After clicking yes, a hangout dialer will appear. You'll be able to text, make out going calls and e-mail through the dummy account and makeshift phone number.

looks like a lot of options, thanks for all your help!

We need to meet sometime so I can thank you personally