8. Lydia
Lydia
“I can’t believe they said that to you,” Simone says, searching through the dress rack in the mall. “I hate mean girls. I wish I could be there to show them what happens when they talk shit about my best friend.”
“It’s okay, Simone, really. I’m honestly just trying not to care. I knew people would probably talk. I just didn’t expect them to be so bold about it to my face.”
“Yeah, well, that’s why I hate stuck-up schools like that, full of stuck-up people who need to be humbled. I mean, I’m glad you found Eli, and you met Katie and Harper there or whatever, but I selfishly wish you were still on my side of town, going to school with me.”
“Me too, but yeah, I’m glad I met Eli. So I guess it’s kind of worth all the baggage that comes with it, huh?”
She looks at me and grins. “So…how is that going by the way?”
I instantly blush thinking about him. “It’s going good.” I grab her arm and lean in. “Me? With a boyfriend? I mean, this is crazy, right?”
“I know!” she whispers-shouts. “Now we can finally double date!”
“Oh my gosh! I didn’t even think about that! We should definitely plan something soon. I think Eli and Tyler would really get along.”
“I think so too.”
Katie and Harper walk over to us, pretzels in hand, laughing at something together.
“So, what are your birthday plans, Simone?” Katie asks.
“We’re having a party over at Tyler’s house. His mom is going out of town this weekend with some new boyfriend, and she’s not forcing him to stay at his dad’s place, so he’ll have an empty house. It’ll be low-key, but fun.”
“I should get a dress while we’re here, too,” Harper says, already looking through the rack.
My phone buzzes in the pocket of my jeans, and I pull it out to see a text from Eli.
Eli: What are you doing gorgeous?
Simone is busy talking to Katie and Harper now, so I sneak away to sit on a bench by the dressing rooms, taking my phone back out to reply.
Lydia: Still with the girls at the mall
Three little dots pop up instantly.
Eli: Can I come by and pick you up? Maybe we can hang out for a little before I have to go to training?
Lydia: I think Simone is spending the night at my place tonight so I can help her do some last-minute planning for the party this weekend
Eli: :( okay
I wish I could see him. I feel bad that he wants to, and I can’t.
Another text comes through.
Eli: Am I at least invited to this party you’ll be at?
I smile at how cute he is, knowing he always wants to be around me.
Lydia: Of course, I was going to ask you if you wanted to come
Eli: Yeah, I’ll be there. Wanna make sure none of those guys you used to know try to hit on you when they see how hot you’ve gotten
I actually laugh at the thought of that.
Lydia: Yeah, I don’t think you have to worry about that. That never happens
Eli: It happened with me
Lydia: You’re the exception
Eli: Good, let’s make sure it stays that way
Eli: I’ll be thinking about you tonight since I don’t get to see you
“What are you smiling at?” Katie asks as she and Harper walk over with a couple of dresses to try on.
“Nothing,” I say, grinning. “Just texting Eli.”
“Aw, how cute,” Harper coos.
Katie doesn’t say anything, and then Simone walks over with an arm full of dresses. “Come help me try these on, Lydia.”
“Coming.”
I put my phone away, and we head into the dressing room together.
Simone hangs up all the dresses, and then goes through trying on each one as I help her in and out of them.
I feel my phone buzz a couple of times, but my hands are too busy, so I just ignore it until we finish.
Simone finds this perfect pink silk mini dress that shows off her body and boobs in the best way.
She checks out, and then we all grab a bite from the food court before heading out to the parking lot.
We say bye to the girls and tell them we’ll see them at the party this weekend.
It’s not until I get in the car with Simone that I pull out my phone and check it. I see a couple of texts from Eli and one missed call from him.
Eli: Not looking forward to football today, wish I could have had my fix of you before going in
Eli: I guess you’re busy. I tried calling before I go out there. I probably won’t be able to talk until tomorrow at school, so I’ll see you then
I quickly try to send a text in case he can still read it.
Lydia: Sorry, I got caught up helping Simone with dresses, and then we grabbed something to eat at the food court. I hate that I missed your call. If it’s not too late, call me when you get home before you go to bed
Lydia: If not, it’s totally okay. I’ll see you tomorrow :)
We stayed up pretty late talking about the party, school, and the boys, but I never got a text or call from Eli before falling asleep for the night. I even kept checking my phone to make sure I didn’t miss it this time.