Page 29 of Pushing Daisy
“Definitely thought you climbed out the window,” Daisy says over her shoulder as she pulls clothes from her overnight bag.
“Unfortunately for you, I wasn’t able to fit.”
“What’s on the agenda for today?” Daisy asks, evidently ignoring an opportunity to for a smart-ass remark.
Sloan picks up the itinerary and reads through the items listed. “Did you sign up for any of these things?”
“No. I didn’t know they had this all planned out. Why? What does it say?”
“Apparently, this morning is ‘a joyful hayride through the orchard,’ which is followed up by a picnic lunch along the water where we can feed the ducks, and then this afternoon is yoga and meditation, and tonight is ‘The Mystical Dan,’ whoever that is.”
Daisy groans from behind her. That’s a sound I wouldn’t mind hearing again. Sloan blushes at her rogue thought, turning away so Daisy can’t see the flush of her skin.
“We don’t have to do all these things together if you don’t want to,” Daisy hedges.
“No, no. It’s ok. I think a hayride sounds fun. Though I’m not sure I have the right clothing for it,” Sloan says, pulling out a light dress from her bag. The air is cooler now as they get deeper into fall, but looking outside it appears to be sunny.
“I think that could still work. What shoes do you have?”
“I brought a pair of Converse. Maybe with this sweater over top?”
“That would look great.”
Sloan smiles. She knows it’s a simple compliment and barely one at that, but the fact that Daisy thinks she looks good does something to her. Though she’s doubtful that Daisy meant it to be that way. After all, how could she when Sloan came across as so cruel to her for most of their lives? No. Daisy was most certainly offering some causal reassurance, as any witch would do to another.
“I’m going to shower quickly. When do we need to be at the hayride pick-up point?” Daisy asks
“Not until nine, so lots of time.”
“Wonderful. I will be out shortly.”
Sloan watches as Daisy leaves the room, noting the curve of her waist and the way her ass bounces slightly with every step.
Fuck, I’m in trouble.
CHAPTER 17
Daisy
“I should have grabbed a scarf,” Daisy grumbles to herself.
Sloan unwraps the silky scarf around her neck and offers it to Daisy. “Here, you can have mine.”
Daisy’s eyes cut to Sloan. “I don’t need your pity.” Yet again, she immediately regrets her response as soon as she says it. Why does she keep doing this? The back and forth between being nice and snapping at Sloan is exhausting, and as much as she wants to set aside that lingering anger, it keeps popping up.
“I’m not pitying you. You said you were cold and you’re standing there shivering, so I thought I could try to be nice.”
“Well, you don’t need to be nice to me.” Daisy huffs internally, willing herself to stop what’s about to happen before it starts. But she knows it’s too late.
“Why?” Sloan asks, her voice cracking with frustration.
“Because you’re… you,” Daisy responds. She looks down the road, her eyes teary, wishing for the hayride bus to show up and end this conversation. Hoping that, for once, the Goddess will bless her and end this misery she’s caused herself.
Sloan turns and faces her, eyes boring into Daisy’s skull. “What does that mean?” she asks, placing a hand on her hip.
Daisy sighs and looks back at her. “You know.”
“No, I don’t. Please enlighten me.”
