Page 13 of Crimson Promises
I headed out the gate I had come through earlier and broke into a run. My body will no doubt be sore and tight from not stretching first. But I needed space from that courtyard. I required fresh oxygen from the way my body had reacted to Riley. He was just a boy, I told myself. More than likely, he wouldn’t even message me. He was probably making a point to his stupid friend that he could impress any girl he wanted.
Focusing on my first day of work was the priority.
When I got home, I checked my phone after a quick shower. An unknown number had appeared with three new messages:
Riley: Coffee later tonight? :)
Riley: It’s Riley Jones BTW
Riley: The guy from the park. I realized I never introduced myself
Droplets from my soaked hair peppered the screen.
Aurora: I know who you are.
Riley: Is that a good thing or a bad thing? (Eyebrows up emoji)
Aurora: (Shrugging shoulder emoji)
Riley: Is that all I get?
Aurora: Maybe.
Riley: I’ll have to work extra hard to convince you otherwise.
Aurora: You have your work cut out for you.
This was more fun than I thought.
Riley: I have a thoroughly developed formula with spreadsheets and a workflow.
A grin spread across my face. Maybe he wasn’t so bad after all.
Aurora: Looking forward to reviewing this plan.
Riley: SO, coffee tonight?
Aurora: I’m working tonight.
Riley: You can’t be working ALL night. What time do you get off?
Aurora: Not until eight o’clock.
Riley: PM or AM?
Riley: LOL just joking. Eight isn’t late at all.
Aurora: Alright.
Riley: There’s a place called Perk & Pour near campus. Would you want to go there?
Aurora: Sure.
Riley: Where do you live? I can get you
Images of Disgusto leering towards me flashed in my mind. One could never be too safe.
Aurora: It’ll probably be easier if I meet you there at 8:30 after my shift.
