Chapter 34
Poppy
Ifinish the essay portion of my European Politics midterm, then walk to the front of the classroom where the professor is standing and hand it in.
I quietly gather my things, walk out of the classroom, and let out a breath. One midterm down, three to go.
Thankfully, one of my classes doesn’t have a test to take for midterms, just a five-page paper, which I already handed in.
I head across campus and zip up my jacket as the cool autumn wind whips around me. My phone buzzes with a text. When I see it’s from Nick, I’m grinning like a dork.
Ever since I spent the night at his place last week during that winter storm, I feel like I’ve been floating. He’s texting me a lot. Multiple times a day. I love it.
I still can’t believe how easily we’ve settled into this new dynamic. We’re still fake dating and more than friends. It sounds crazy, but it’s not. Things feel so easy and comfortable.
I smile down at my phone and text him back as I walk across campus to my shift at the Writing Center.
Nick: Hey, wild girl. How did your midterm go?
Me: I think I did pretty well.
Nick: I know you aced it ;)
Me: You don’t know that. I could have bombed it.
Nick: There’s no way you would ever bomb a test, Poppy. You’re the smartest person in any room. You always study tons and over-prepare for every exam you take. I’d bet my left nut you aced it.
My face aches from how hard I’m smiling. He’s so sweet. He’s always complimenting me and praising me—even when we’re fooling around.
My cheeks are hot when I think about every filthy thing we got up to in his bed. I can’t wait to do it again.
We’ve both been busy getting ready for midterms. I’ve been studying, working shifts at the Writing Center, and uploading more content to my YouTube channel. I’m getting more views than ever and have started making pretty decent money from it.
Nick’s been slammed too. He’s been studying and practicing a lot. He had an away game the other day too, so we’ve hardly seen each other.
I text him back.
Me: Thanks for your confidence in me. It’s really sweet.
Nick: Always. So when can I have you in my bed again? I miss you.
My tummy dips.
Me: Soon. I have three tests three days in a row starting tomorrow, but after that, I’m all yours.
Nick: *drooling emoji*
I burst out laughing.
Nick: What are you up to for Fall Break?
Me: Just planning to study a lot for the LSAT. I haven’t even started the prep for that.
Nick: Students don’t take the LSAT until the summer after junior year or the fall of senior year. You’ve got plenty of time.
Me: Wait, how do you know that?
Nick: When you mentioned you were planning to go to law school, I looked it up.
A warm feeling swirls around my chest that Nick would take an interest in what I’m studying.
Nick: You’re going to kick ass on the LSAT, Poppy. No need to stress about it.
Me: Easier said than done lol
My parents have been texting me reminders to start studying as early as possible. They told me the earlier I start studying, the more prepared I’ll be for the test, the higher score I get, and the better shot I’ll have at getting into law school at Stanford or some other top law school.
An anxious feeling races through me. Stanford Law is insanely competitive. Even students who get top scores on their LSATs and a million extracurriculars and impressive internships get rejected. You have to be better than perfect to get accepted there…and I’m far from perfect.
Nick: What if I asked you to procrastinate studying for the LSAT just a little bit longer?
Me: And do what?
Nick: Blake, Leo, Travis, and I rented a cabin in the Rockies for a few days. We’ve got a game at the end of Fall Break, but we want to relax before that. Come with us.
Me: It sounds like a guys’ trip. I don’t want to tag along and ruin the vibe.
Nick: You won’t. Anna is coming too. So is the girl that Blake is dating.
I smile down at my phone as I walk along the pavement. Just thinking about spending a few days with Nick makes me giddy.
Me: Okay. I’ll come.
He sends back a bunch of smiling emojis. I chuckle.
Me: But I’m bringing my LSAT prep materials so I can study a little bit.
Nick: You won’t have a lot of extra time to study.
Me: Why? Do you guys have lots of stuff planned?
Nick: I’ve got plans to spend the entire time with my face buried between your thighs.
My eyes go wide, and I’m instantly blushing. I clear my throat and head into the building where the Writing Center is.
Me: Wow. Very filthy.
Nick: You like it when I’m filthy, wild girl.
I send a blushing emoji.
Me: What should I pack?
Nick: Warm clothes. Hiking shoes. And a swimsuit. There’s a hot tub.
That giddy feeling swoops through me as I text him back.
Can’t wait.