Page 37 of I Blame the Rival

“Let’s do it.”

Skylar

I tap my eraser against my desk, trying to calm my nerves.

The number on the clock mocks me, it’s digits slowly getting closer to midnight. I blow out a breath and reach for my phone.

She’s probably asleep by now. Chances are it’ll go to voicemail anyways.

I hesitate, my finger hovering over Lacey’s number. It’s only been 12 hours since I dropped her off but I want to talk to her again. I want to hear her voice, make her laugh, and maybe learn another secret.

It’s only been 12 hours and my heart hasn’t been the same since.

Blowing out a breath, I think through all the reasons this is a terrible idea. I mean, do people even call each other anymore?

Fuck it.

Pressing the call button, my heart rattles in my ribcage as I wait for the line to connect. I hold my breath, continuing through the list of why this is a horrible idea when Lacey picks up.

“Skylar?”

At the sound of her voice, I almost drop my phone. Gulping down a breath, I glance over my shoulder to make sure my bedroom door is safely shut.

“Hey, Flower.” I clear my throat, “Sorry I know it’s late…”

“No, this is great. I was hoping you would call.” She pauses and I find myself pressing the phone tighter against my ear, “This might sound weird, but I was thinking about you today.”

An ache hits my cheeks as my lips tug up.

“I was thinking about you too.”

There’s silence on the other end and I can’t help but wish we were in person so I could see what type of smile is spreading across her face right now.

“Would you want to hang out again? My schedule is pretty free this week.” She hesitates, “There’s no pressure, of course.”

“How does tomorrow sound? I could pick you up and take you to the little bookshop.”

Lacey lets out a gasp, “I would love that! My little library hasn’t grown in so long.”

“You have a library?”

She sighs, “Not really. I have a small collection of romance novels precariously stacked between my textbooks and mound of plants.”

“A library and a greenhouse? I’m starting to wonder where you sleep.”

Laughter echoes down the line and warmth seeps through me. Pushing back from my desk, I wander over to my bed and liedown. The popcorn ceiling has seen better days, but the white canvas makes it easier to picture Lacey’s smiling face.

“It’s a tight fit but I make it work. Taber University has the world’s smallest dorm rooms, so we only get a single bed and a desk that sits two feet away.”

“Sounds cozy.”

“It is, actually. I’ve put in enough effort to make the room feel like my own.” She lets out an awkward laugh, “Sorry, this isn’t really interesting. Just tell me to stop when you get bored.”

I frown, “Boring is not a word I associate with you.”

“That might change after you see me in the bookstore tomorrow.”

“How could it? I’ll get to be with you.”

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