Chapter 18
eighteen
I’ve gone back and forth so many times. How do I do this? Do I ask for her number and FaceTime her? Do I ask if I can meet her? Do I show up and surprise her?
Jesus Christ, I feel like I’m thirteen and this is my first crush.
Everything has been so easy with Sophie from the start—the banter, the flirting, the conversation, the friendship. I’ve never felt an undeniable attraction to someone like I have with her.
My life is riddled with regrets. I don’t want her to be one of them.
Without giving it any further thought, I pick up my phone, open my DMs, and type,
Decided to take a road trip after leaving the farm. I can be in Memphis tonight. I would love to stop by the bar and put a face to the name and officially meet you.
I hit send and drop the phone in the cupholder, like putting some distance between us will settle my nerves and stop the instantaneous panic.
What if this scares her? Will she think I’m stalking?
I’m such an idiot. She’s a woman in a city far from home, and I’ve just thrown up a huge red flag. Fuck.
I pick up my phone again to apologize for overstepping, when a notification sounds.
Sophie
IS THIS A JOKE?
My heart sinks because that could mean so many different things.
But it’s followed by,
Sophie
You can’t tease me like this. Am I really going to see you TODAY?
Relief. So much relief.
If navigation isn’t lying, I should be in Memphis in a couple hours.
Sophie
You sure do know how to make a girl’s day.
Oh, Sophie, you have no idea. There are so many ways I’d love to make your day if you let me.
Sophie
Kinda wish I would’ve washed my hair this morning now. It’s not every day you meet your bestie in person for the first time, and it would’ve been nice to not look feral when it happens.
That makes me laugh, and the worry dissolves.
I’ve been on the road for a few days too. My feral won’t judge your feral. Deal?
Sophie
Deal. Do you need the bar’s address?
Nope. I looked it up. I’m all set. See you soon. x
Sophie
See you soon. x
I smile for the next two hundred miles.