Page 85 of One Day

“Yeah, well, it’s a literature class. That’s child’s play for me, and he said he’d feed me.”

I shake my head. There doesn’t take much convincing when it comes to Bekah—or Dylan for that fact—just the mention of food will have them on board without any other details. “You are so easily persuaded, you know that?”

She shrugs and slides my travel mug over, setting the pot back onto the warmer. “What about you? Are you excited to be done for the semester?”

“So excited.” I take my mug with me to the island, reaching for the fridge door. “Milk?” I ask. Both nodding in response while Bekah holds her hand out to take it. “I didn’t think this semester would be as draining as it was. As much as it sucks to not have the summer internship, it’ll be nice to have a break from everything. Especially since Walker’s going to be around for most of it.”

“I’m glad you’re looking on the bright side. I know you were really bummed out about not getting it, and for what it’s worth, I think the work you did was great. I know Dylan and the guys appreciated you doing something that was meant to make their lives a little easier.”

She pours a little milk into her mug, and then Reid’s before passing it over. “Yeah, I wouldn’t change anything I did,” I tell her, pouring a bit into my mug before screwing the cap back on and sliding it into the fridge door.

Even if it meant I would have gotten the internship, it wouldn’t have been what I wanted to do. I saw a blank space, something to improve upon to help make the lives of the people I care about easier, and I took my shot. I missed this time, but I won’t always miss.

I know I did something that made me proud, as well as the people I care about and at the end of the day, that’s all that really matters to me. Something else will come up next year, and I’ll make the most of that opportunity.

“What about you, Beks? Other than the spring class, are you excited?”

She nods her head and screws on the lid to her pale purple travel mug, bringing it up to her lips to take a sip. “Between a spring class and the pile of smutty books calling my name? I’m all set for an excellent summer break. Right, Reid?”

“You’re going to make him read those with you again?”

“Of course, he loves them.” And to Reid’s credit, I do really think he enjoys it. Especially the part where he gets to talk them into oblivion with Bekah. Books bleed through his veins.

“You got the first one picked out for us, Beks?” Reid asks, closing his laptop. He slides it into his bag, bringing the strap to his shoulder on his way over to us.

She nods her head. “Dirty talking cowboys.”

My hand moves to the cowboy hat pendant hanging around my neck, and both seem to notice as Bekah smirks. “You want to join us, Sunny?”

Before I can say anything, my phone buzzing pulls my attention away. “Boyfriend?” Reid asks when I pull my phone out, the smile on my face is all the answer he needs.

Giddy excitement fills my chest at the prospect of hearing his voice as I slide my thumb across the bottom of the screen, bringing it up to my ear. “Hi, Cowboy,” I say, turning around when Bekah and Reid pucker their lips at me.

“Hi, Sunny,” he greets. “You sleep okay?”

“Considering I was up until three getting some last-minute studying in? I slept great.” I tell him when Bekah’s hand moves to my shoulder, and I turn back around, watching her hitch her thumb toward the door. “Sorry, hang on a second,” I say, pressing the butt of my phone to my shoulder before they can run off completely. “Good luck on your exams!”

“Thanks! You too, Sunny,” she says, blowing a kiss in my direction as I bring my phone back to my ear. “And you, Walker!”

“Bekah says good luck on your exam,” I clarify as Reid moves to give me a side hug, a silent sentiment passing between us when he pulls away and heads to follow Bekah to the door.

“Tell her thanks and her too,” Walker says.

“He says thank you and good luck!” I relay before she slips into the front foyer. “How are you feeling about your psych exam?”

“Good, I think. Or at least, pretending like I am.” His laugh fills my phone, and my stomach flips, a grin taking up my face. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to this feeling. This complete and utter adoration I feel for him.

“You’ll be fine,” I assure him. “We’re still on to meet up after?”

“Yes, I just got to my building, so I’ll come your way once I’m done, and we can head back to my place. If that works for you.”

“Sounds perfect,” I tell him while shouldering my bag, digging through the front pocket for my house keys. “You don’t need it, but good luck on your test. I love you.”

“I love you, too, Sunny. Go crush your exam, okay?”

“I will try my best,” I tell him, grabbing my coffee off the island while saying goodbye.

My walk to campus is short, and by the time I get to class, my head is clear. The skills exam is quick and to the point, and by now, something I can do in my sleep. A younger me might have mistaken the ease as overconfidence and then stressed myself out over what could be a lousy grade, but this version of me knows better.

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