8. Blossoming
8
Blossoming
Trevor
Obnoxious buzzing on my bedside table threatens to pull me from the last threads of sleep.
I close my eyes and pull the pillow over my head. My brain is lost in a hazy replay of yesterday’s date and Chelsea’s smile. My dick is half hard and I’m enjoying the fuzzy, peaceful feeling like I’m floating back to dreamland.
Until my phone goes off again.
With a groan, I throw my hand out, fumbling for it. When my hand connects with it, I drag it to my ear, barely swiping the right spot to answer the call.
“Who are you and what do you want with my life?”
“Do you like scary movies?” Hyla whispers in a creepy voice.
“No. Goodbye.”
“You’d hang up on a serial killer? Really? Sounds dangerous.”
“Almost as dangerous as hanging up on your mother.” Mom’s voice cuts in, and I groan again.
“I’m here. Say things. Can’t promise not to fall back to sleep.”
“You’re very grumpy this morning,” Hyla says. “Didn’t your date go well?”
“Ugh. That’s why you’re calling? It’s barely been twelve hours since it ended.”
“Well, you didn’t call either of us last night. Not even a text,” Mom says dramatically.
“Yeah, for all we knew, she could’ve been some kind of succubus who stole your soul.”
“Hy, quit with the scary movies. It’s not even October yet.”
“But they’re the only things more horrifying than my life.”
“Hyla.”
“Ugh. Don’t use that tone.”
“He’s right,” Mom sings.
Good. Let them take on the conversation, and I’ll go back to sleep.
“Nope. No topic changes,” Hyla says.
So close.
“Come on, Mr. Grumpy Pants. Tell us what’s wrong,” she prods.
“The only thing that’s wrong is that you’re interrupting me reliving the date in my dreams—don’t make a sex joke—and I’d like to get back to it.”
“You really like her,” Mom says, voice warm and comforting.
I finally throw the pillow off my face and let the sunlight wash the last bit of sleep away.
“Yeah, I do.”
Hyla squeals. “Yes. I love it. Seriously, what’s her last name? I need to know if it has ship name potential.”
“And on that note, I love you crazy people. Bye.”
“You’re no fun,” Hyla calls.
“Love you, honey. Bye,” Mom says.
I hang up and toss my phone to the side, then flop against the mattress again, but I’m too awake now.
I sit up and stretch, then grab my phone again and check for any messages.
Any hint of the bad mood at having my dream ripped away vanishes when I see a text from Chelsea from late last night.
Chelsea: Thank you for today. I can’t wait to do it again.
With a smile, I go to her contact information, and maybe stupidly, pathetically, change it to Dream Girl . Then I text her back.
Me: I’m already looking forward to it.
With that done, I climb out of bed and make my way downstairs, the same spring in my step as last night.
Unsurprisingly, most everyone is milling about the kitchen. From what I remember from visiting them over the years, weekend mornings are usually relaxed. Occasionally Rae will pick up a shift at Promise, Sarah will get caught up in nursing stuff, or Joel will go for a run, but otherwise, it’s low-key.
Except right now. Because they’re all staring at me like silent-as-the-grave pod people.
If I hadn’t had the best date of my life yesterday, I’d have assumed Hyla put them up to this with her scary movie thing. But no. This is the calm before the meddling storm.
I wonder if I can get in, get my coffee, and get out before—
“You look happy this morning,” Amanda says.
Here we go.
Aaron hands me a mug of coffee before I can get to the coffee maker, then Mackenzie appears in front of me with creamer.
“And you all seem preoccupied this morning.” I take a seat at the kitchen counter.
“We’re doing what we always do,” Miles says, looking over his shoulder. He’s at the stove cooking… something.
Then I notice him flip something. Pancakes .
“Standing around being creepy?” I ask, taking a sip of my coffee.
“Rude. I take offense to that. We’re never creepy. We’re just happy for you,” Rae says.
I look around at all of them. “Wait, I know people joke about this being some kind of cult, but—”
“People joke about that?” Joel asks.
“Mostly people we like,” Mackie says. “Nick and his friend group.”
“Like they’re any better!” Rae huffs. “Nicholas Asshole,” she grumbles under her breath.
I choke on my coffee. I forgot she calls him that. Takes me right back to high school and the two of us annoying the shit out of her in every class we had together.
Miles flips the burner off, plates up pancakes, then slides one in front of me.
“Tell them something about the date or they will never stop being weird.”
Truth.
“It was… good.” I dip my head to hide my smile and dig into my pancake.
“Bullshit!” Sarah says, hoisting herself onto the counter. “He told me last night how amazing it was.”
I look over at her with a big smile. “No idea what you’re talking about.”
“Aww, I love smiling Trevor,” Amanda says.
Mackie pinches my cheek. “So cute.”
“Enough,” I grumble. I wish she and Hyla could figure their shit out because they really are a match made in heaven.
“On that note, I’m feeling a morning walk,” Rae says, looking around at the girls.
“Oh, yes please,” Amanda says.
Mackie hops off the stool next to me. “I’ll come too.”
Sarah slides off the counter to join them, her eyes lingering on Joel while he eye fucks her in return. They might as well just kiss in front of us and get it over with, but that’s Sarah. She holds herself back from love because she doesn’t think she deserves it.
Rae kisses Aaron, then, as the girls file out of the kitchen, she leans in and squeezes my arm. “For the record, it’s good to see you smile like that. It’s been too long since we’ve seen this side of you. Don’t be afraid to enjoy it.”
Then she heads upstairs to get ready with the rest of the girls.
The guys take spots around the kitchen counter, all focused on eating their pancakes, as that almost eerie silence settles in again.
“Really? You guys aren’t going to annoy the shit out of me with questions?”
“We’ll do that after breakfast,” Joel says.
“Apparently we’re going on a field trip,” Miles adds.
“Where?”
“Baseball field.” Aaron’s smile is massive. “Since Miles is going to be playing with us again for the first time since high school, we figured we should start reconditioning him.”
For the first time this morning, my good mood legitimately fades a little.
“Unless you don’t want to come,” Aaron says, voice softer.
“No. I’m—that’s fine.” I smile again, but it’s forced.
Maybe I should tell them I haven’t been on a baseball field since my accident. They’d understand. I knew I’d have to face it eventually, but I’m not sure I was ever going to be ready.
My love of baseball is intrinsically tied to my dad. It was something we did together and bonded over. My understanding and love of the game came from him. Losing it the way I did made me feel like I was losing a part of him too. Like I was letting him down.
Though I’ve been to a handful of baseball games since my accident—mostly here to support the guys—I haven’t set foot on a baseball field. I haven’t wanted to. Working with the team was going to be a way to push myself to get over the—not fear, exactly—discomfort or uncertainty of going out there again. I don’t know how it will feel. I guess it might be better to do it with the guys than in front of the whole team—or worse, by myself. Because that’s probably what I would’ve done. I’m good at isolating myself and dealing with my problems alone.
I’m a protector and caretaker by nature—the flip side of which is me not wanting to burden other people with my problems.
“Are you sure it’s fine?” Joel asks.
I suck in a deep breath. “Yeah. It’ll be good to get back out there again.”
Or something like that.
Chelsea
Chelsea .
Hazy half-awake, half-asleep me closes my eyes tighter, trying to find the dream source of the voice.
Chelsea.
Mm. What’s even happening right now? Am I dreaming?
“Chelsea!”
Fingers dig into my ribs and I jump up, nearly falling out of bed.
“Ah! What the fuck?” I’m panting as my eyes land on Robbie. “What are you doing here?”
He’s sitting on the edge of the bed, a plate on his lap. He tosses a cheesy tater tot into his mouth and smiles at me.
“Had to make sure you were alive.”
I press a hand to my chest. “Assuming you didn’t give me a heart attack just now, then yes. I’m alive.” I let out a huff. “That better be for me.”
He passes the plate over.
I sigh with happiness as I inhale. Blueberry muffin, cheesy tater tots with scrambled eggs and chives, and fresh strawberries.
“Okay, you’re almost forgiven.”
“Almost? I made you all that for breakfast and all I get is yelled at and almost forgiven?”
“You forgot the coffee.”
He throws his head back. “You’re impossible.”
“You started this. I was happily sleeping.”
“Until 10:00 a.m.”
My eyes flare. “Really?”
He shows me his phone. “Date must’ve worn you out.”
I shove his shoulder. “That’s not funny. It was a long, wonderful date. But if anything, I was so hyped, I kept replaying it and couldn’t fall asleep.”
“Wow. So you’re saying I don’t need to hate him?”
I roll my eyes. “I’d prefer if you didn’t. I’m not going to get crazy and say he’s the one , but no one else—even people I’ve dated longer—has ever made me feel like he does. Our connection runs deep and we have these little ties to each other from our past. Missed connections, kind of? I don’t know. I don’t want to jinx it or overthink it, but I’m really happy, and I’m looking forward to seeing him again.”
Robbie lets out a dramatic sigh, then steals one of my strawberries. “He was great yesterday. I got a good feeling from him, and I’m not sure that’s ever happened because I’m a naturally suspicious person. I won’t tell you to be careful, but if you need anything, or if he fucks up, I’m here.”
“Thanks.”
He pops the strawberry into his mouth and climbs off the bed. “I’ll leave you to eat.”
“Thanks for breakfast,” I say as he walks out of the room.
He waves as he goes, and I settle back on my bed. Grabbing my phone, I think about what audiobook I want to listen to—it’s rare I don’t have music or an audiobook playing—when I glimpse the book Trevor and I decided to read on the nightstand. I quickly check my library app to see if they have it. Score. And it’s the one where I can instantly borrow without having to wait in line.
I start the book and enjoy my breakfast, lost in the carryover of fuzzy, warm feelings from last night. This is the fun part. Letting myself get swept up in romance and falling for him. There are heavier conversations ahead, but I’m going to enjoy where we are now and wait until I’m comfortable to get into that stuff.
My phone pings, and I dive for it like a feral animal.
It’s a text from Rae, and while I’m initially bummed it’s not Trevor, her text makes me smile and want to kick my feet.
Rae: Trevor is happy this morning, and I’m guessing we have you to thank for that. Seriously, I haven’t seen him smile like this in a long time. Just thought you’d like to know.
My heart gets all flippy and fluttery at that.
It’s exhilarating and a little terrifying all at once, but I like it.
As I’m closing out of the message, I see a text from Trevor from earlier this morning that I must’ve missed. It’s a response to the one I sent him last night about our date and being excited for another.
Trevor: I’m already looking forward to it.
Another date. One I want to plan this time. Even if nothing can beat the epicness of our first date, I want to do something special for him. I think—way too long—about a reply, but decide not to send one. I don’t want to force a conversation. If I’m going to text him, I want it to have some kind of substance, whether it’s just fun or something more. But what I do is change his contact information to Book Boyfriend .
Cheesy.
So. Freaking. Cheesy.
But I don’t care. I’m going to let myself be all dopey and ridiculous because I haven’t felt this carefree in a long time.
I’m about to set my phone aside when another text comes through.
Unknown number: Hey, Chelsea. It’s Amanda. I got your number from Rae. I was wondering if maybe you wanted to meet up for coffee today? Get to know each other better? Let me know.
I quickly add her as a contact, then reread the text. Amazing date yesterday and now a new friend date today?
I glance at my plate of food. Robbie conveniently didn’t make coffee. It would be perfect. And I’d like to get to know Amanda better. Even if she might be asking only to get the details about my date with Trevor. Maybe she wants to know if I’ll stick around. It should still be fun, though. And I’ll never turn down coffee.
Me: Sure. Sounds fun. Want to meet at Buzzing Brews in like an hour?
Amanda: Sounds great! See you then!
One week. I’ve been in Old Lake Town for a week and more good things than I could’ve expected have come my way.
Maybe, just maybe, karma really is on my side, and she’s finally getting the universe to pay up.
The bell above the door chimes as I walk into Buzzing Brews and smile like a fool at the heavenly scent of coffee. So much coffee. They roast their own beans here, and it makes it taste that much better.
I’m debating whether to grab a table or order at the counter when the door chimes again, and I turn to see Amanda walking toward me, a bright smile on her face, and her long, strawberry blonde hair swaying behind her.
“Hey, it’s good to see you.” She gives me a quick hug.
“You too. Thanks for suggesting this.”
We move toward the counter.
“Of course. I know Rae will just walk up to people and decide they’re friends—and I love her for it—but it’s never come as easily to me. I’m glad you said yes.”
“I’m looking forward to creating new friendships too.”
We order our drinks and small talk for a few minutes. Like the rest of their crew, Amanda seems genuine, but the timing still has me thinking she asked me here for the gossip about my date. Not that I’m against gushing about Trevor. His friends would probably appreciate it more than Robbie would.
We take a table by the window that looks out over the edge of town and toward the lake in the distance, Amanda telling me about how she met Rae and the girls—and everyone else by extension—and how it’s been living at the lake house with them so far.
Once a waitress brings our drinks, she’s quiet for a moment, inhaling the scent of her coffee and gazing out the window.
Should I start another conversation? Or maybe get the one she’s interested in out of the way?
I clear my throat and take a deep breath. “So aren’t you going to ask?”
Her gaze drifts back to me. “Ask what?”
“How my date with Trevor went. Isn’t that why you asked me here?”
She scrunches her face. “I didn’t ask you here because you went out with Trevor. Well, okay, that’s why I thought of texting you. Not the date exactly, but how you reacted the other night… it had the mama bear part of me concerned. Trevor talking about the date again made me think of that and I wondered if you’re okay. I’m not here to get information from you. I’m here to build a friendship with you.”
My cheeks blaze. Shit. I need to stop that gut instinct of not trusting people. Or assuming the worst. My stomach goes cold. Or stop believing I don’t deserve better than that.
Amanda puts her hand on the table and leans in. “Okay, who hurt you? I’m going to need names and preferably phone numbers so I can call them up and tell them what feckless idiots they are.”
“Feckless?” I choke on a surprised laugh.
She shrugs. “I was listening to an audiobook with a Welsh character. He kept saying that. Anyway, no avoiding my question.”
I sit with that for a moment, debating what to tell her. It’s not one clear answer. What I went through with my assault and dealing with Bridget and Lex both have played a part. I haven’t told anyone here what I went through yet, though Rae obviously has some idea. Do I want to tell her before I tell Trevor?
“Sorry. I… you’re right that I’ve been hurt, and I’m sorry I put that on you. I appreciate you asking me here, and I want to get to know you. As for who hurt me, that’s complicated, but friendship-wise, it has to do with my friends back home. Who I’m starting to think aren’t my friends at all. Not in the real sense. I spent the last year struggling, and all they did was nag me about how I wasn’t fun anymore.”
“Again, I’ll take phone numbers. Always happy to tell off some asshole friends.”
I don’t know whether to laugh or cry because she’s serious. She’s not just here to build a friendship. She’s giving me her instant loyalty.
“I appreciate that, but it’s not just them. I went through something… well, you know where I work. With Rae. There’s a reason for that.”
She leans forward and grabs my hand. “I’m so sorry.”
“I’m doing better now, but still healing, and trust doesn’t come easily to me.”
“What happened with Trevor makes a lot more sense now.”
“He doesn’t know,” I say quickly. “Rae knows about as much as you do, and I—”
“Breathe, Chels. I’m not going to tell him—or anyone—anything. I know it’s probably weird or strange because there’s this big group of us who are close, but we all have unique friendships. My friendship with Rae is different from my friendship with Sarah, which is different from my friendship with Mackie. And all of that is different from my relationship with any of the guys. Or Hyla.” She laughs. “Who, funny enough, I didn’t even like at first.”
“Wait, you don’t like Hyla?” I ask in surprise. Especially since Amanda and Trevor seem to be good friends.
“I love Hyla. But when we first met, I didn’t trust her. I just hadn’t realized how much the world had hurt her or how badly she needed love and protection.” Amanda squeezes my arm. “Now I get the feeling you need that too. And you’ve got it. Anything you tell me stays with me.”
With a sigh, I drop my head and run my hand through my hair. “I kind of feel like an asshole now.”
“Hey, part of my friendship is not letting anyone talk badly about you. Including yourself. You’re not an asshole. You’re healing. And I’m here for any part of that journey you want to share with me.”
“Even if it’s messy?”
She laughs. “In time you’ll learn, messy is what we do best. Not only are the girls amazing friends, they’re an amazing tribe of women who come together and support each other. I was really lonely and pretty insecure before I found them. They made me feel accepted and wanted. I hope in time you’ll feel that way too. Not just with the group, but with me.”
Fuck. I’m not used to this easy vulnerability. But I want to be. I’ve craved strong female friendships for a long time, and I’m not going to let that untrusting negative voice inside me ruin this.
“I’m already feeling that way with you.”
“Good. Now. No more about Trevor or emotional things—unless you have something you want to share—otherwise, I want to know about you. Tell me something about you. What you do for fun. What you enjoy.”
“Reading is my number one hobby. I’m deep in a fantasy romance hole right now.”
“Ooh, I’m here for that.”
“And I love volleyball.”
“Ah! See, friendship goals already. I played all through middle and high school.”
“Seriously?” My face lights up. “Wait. We must’ve played each other. You’re from Woods Junction, right?”
She nods. “Yep. I remember playing against Birch Lake in high school. That’s crazy.”
Wow . Apparently, this invisible string vibe I have going on extends beyond Trevor.
“I played in college too, but after leaving my old school, I kind of gave up on it. I’ve been getting the itch to play again, though.”
“I don’t know if there’s anything around here, but there’s a three-on-three rec league back home over the summer. I usually sign up to be assigned to a team, but we could sign up together as a team if we found a third. If you’re interested.”
She smiles a little sheepishly, and it doesn’t suit her. She seems too confident for that.
“I’d love to. Maybe we could convince one of the girls to join us.”
“Mackie or Hyla might be interested. Or maybe my best friend back home.”
“Well, however it works out, I’m in.” I take a sip of coffee, then we settle into a relaxed conversation.
Mostly, she asks questions about my life, but I try to sneak some in about her life too, and find out she has two older brothers, one who is the bane of her existence and the other who she’s pretty close with.
Once our coffees are gone, we decide to go for a walk and do some window shopping.
Amanda is naturally energetic and her brain is always going. She has another topic to ask about as soon as I’ve finished one, and she has plenty of funny, quippy responses. Conversation flows naturally. She’s surprisingly easy to talk to, but I’m starting to feel like that’s all I’ve done. When I finish saying something about Robbie and our close relationship, I stop her before she can ask something else.
“I feel like all I’ve done is talk about me and my chaotic life. I want to hear about yours.”
She smiles and loops an arm through mine as we stroll down the block.
“Hm, let’s see. I’m twenty. I’ll be twenty-one in January, which tracks because I’m a total type A Capricorn. In case you didn’t catch on earlier, I’m loyal to the bitter end and would cut a bitch for the people I love. Bring me sushi, coffee, or chocolate and I’ll love you forever. I always wanted to be the girl with the huge found family of friends, and when I met Rae and the girls, I felt like I was coming home. I’m bi and have only had two serious relationships. A girlfriend in high school who I thought loved me but decided she didn’t want to be with another girl, and my boyfriend, who is amazing and kind and who I hate doing distance with, but it’s worth it for our love.”
“Wow. You’re like a total badass when it comes to vulnerability.”
She shrugs one shoulder. “I figure if I open up to other people, maybe they’ll open up to me—or at least know I’m a safe space.”
I let that settle for a moment. That’s what meeting up today has been about.
“Thank you for asking me to hang out today.”
“Thanks for saying yes.”
Something deep inside me awakens. Everything with Amanda has been simple, yet not simple at all. It’s the blossoming of a friendship that goes deeper than hanging out. And it makes me feel stronger. Like I have someone to stand by my side, to catch me when I’m falling. Someone outside my family. Someone who’s choosing me. Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but I don’t think I am. I think this is exactly what we both need. And it’s a reminder for me—or maybe a lesson—of the importance of female friendships.
That’s what I want. Strong female friendships. Not toxic ones. Friendships rooted in vulnerability and support. Where we uplift each other and rely on each other and get each other through the hard times. That’s where our power begins, within our tribe. When we learn to stand together, empower each other, and fight back, that’s how we create change and lead the next generation of women who will do the same.
I’m honored that Amanda and Rae have seen that in me—and in that brief meeting Sarah and Mackenzie did too. I can’t wait for our friendships to grow deeper and take roots, and I’m determined to put in the energy—and the vulnerability—to make that happen.
Trevor
The mixing scents of grass, chalk, and dirt wash over me as I hover at the fence, staring at the field in front of me. The baseball stadium at SUNY FL is about the same size as an exhibition league stadium, but still bigger than usual for a D3 school. However, baseball is big in this area, and with no other teams locally, there’s a surprisingly big local fan base.
I’ve sat in the seats here, watching Joel play and Aaron coach plenty of times over the last couple of years. Why is stepping onto the field so damn hard?
Probably for the same reason I’ve avoided it.
The way it all ties into my memories of my dad. The dreams we dreamed together. My plans, and how it felt to have them ripped away. Aaron encouraged me to explore my options, and I’m glad I decided to be involved with the team. I could never truly let baseball go. I hope one day, I’ll coach my kids’ teams.
But stepping out here today is as much a fresh start as a reminder of what I lost.
And I’m so fucking scared it won’t feel the same.
That I’ll feel that overwhelming grief again. I don’t want that.
I’ve lost enough. Grieved enough.
The guys, who were horsing around on the field, now come to a stop in front of me.
“Okay?” Joel asks.
“I, uh… haven’t been on a field since my accident. What if it doesn’t feel the same?”
Aaron smiles. “What if it feels better?”
“Or what if it feels like having fun with your friends and remembering why you loved the game in the first place?” Miles asks.
Fuck it.
I step onto the grass.
And…
I start laughing.
“What’s happening?” Miles asks.
“I think he’s broken,” Joel says.
I stop laughing suddenly. “No. Sorry. I just—wow. I really built that up in my head, all to feel… nothing.” And then I’m laughing again. “This isn’t Field of Dreams or Angels in the Outfield . Why did I think this was going to be some massive moment?” I’m an idiot.
Aaron claps me on the shoulder. “Good to know we haven’t lost you.”
My laughter finally fades, and I look around the stadium.
Good to know I haven’t lost this.
It’s still the same. Same comfortable feeling of coming home. Like I know my place out here, and right now, I’m realizing that has nothing to do with third base or the batter’s box and everything to do with this place being a part of me.
Because of my dad. He’s the reason for all of it. Baseball has a piece of my soul because of him. It grounds me because he taught me to let my pain and my fears drift away on the field. It brings me comfort because of every game of catch he played with me, every time he cheered me on, and every game we watched together where he taught me about the skill, mechanics, and camaraderie of the game. It’s a safe place because of the friendships he taught me to build here. I look over at the guys. The friendships still standing today.
I blink back tears.
I’m going to be okay.
The words sound in my head, but not in my voice. In my father’s.
Maybe that’s why this is the first time since my accident that I’ve believed them.
Miles steps closer and rests a hand on my shoulder. “Let’s enjoy this. It’s been too long since we’ve been together out here. Let’s have some fun.”
Aaron pitches. Miles catches. Joel and I take turns batting, then we switch it up again. Miles bats. Joel does a terrible job as catcher. Aaron lets me pitch.
They tease me about being crushed out on Chelsea—it’s not like they’re wrong.
And when I hit a ball way into left field and run the bases, I reconnect with the part of me that loves the game for what it is, and I let go of the loss.
Playing professional ball could’ve been amazing, but it would never have been what made baseball special. Knowing I haven’t lost that gives me peace I’ve been craving for months.
The guys surround me when I get to home plate, and Miles asks, “How did that feel?”
“Awesome.” I glance between them, and Aaron’s bright smile makes me realize something. “Coming here wasn’t just for Miles, was it?”
Aaron shrugs, smile growing. “Sometimes we all need a reminder of why the game’s important to us. But this is also a reminder that if you’re struggling, we’ve got you.”
“Thank you. I’m lucky to have you guys.” I clear my throat. “And I’ve hit my deep emotional quota for the day. Wanna grab lunch before we head back to the lake house?”
“Yeah. We can pick up stuff for the girls too,” Joel says.
As we leave the field, I’m reminded again of my father’s lesson—to leave it all on the field. Today I left some of the weight in my chest behind, no doubt.
I love a lazy Sunday.
Even though playing ball with the guys was anything but lazy.
After that, though, I spent most of the afternoon on the back deck, hanging out with my friends and relaxing. Then I called my mom and let her ask me a million questions about Chelsea.
As I walk back into my room after dinner, my phone goes off.
And I’m thrilled when I see it’s a text from Chelsea.
Dream Girl: Have you started the book yet?
Dream Girl: I’m hooked. I’m on chapter 3. You better catch up so we can talk about it.
I flop on my bed and grab the book. Guess I’ll be up late reading. I’ll take any excuse to talk to her.
Me: I’m starting right now.
Dream Girl: Can’t wait to hear your thoughts.
Me: Should I live text you?
Dream Girl: Then how would you read? Send me your thoughts when you hit the end of the first chapter.
Me: Will do.
Me: Hey, Chels?
Dream Girl: Yeah?
Me: Can I see you tomorrow? Maybe eat lunch together?
Dream Girl: Like a date?
Me: Like more getting to know each other before our next date.
Dream Girl: Always thinking so highly of yourself.
Me: Or I’m just obsessed with you.
Dream Girl: Duh. Who wouldn’t be?
Dream Girl: I guess I could agree to lunch. Keep reading and we can discuss tomorrow. I’ll stop after chapter five.
Me: I’m in. See you tomorrow.
With that, I set my phone down and get lost in the book, excited to text her more, get to know her better, and hopefully let whatever is happening between us keep growing into something bigger.