Now that I’ve let all my thoughts go, I don’t seem to be able to stop them. “I’m just enjoying watching you walk away.”

Her smile turns into a grin. “Well, enjoy, then.” She leaves, hips swaying gently, curls bouncing.

I tighten my fist in the air. I’ve done it. I’ve gotten my chance.

And I’m going to hold on as tight as I can.

11

AMY

Hope you’re having a good day. I’m thinking about you.

I have reread the text this entire car ride. In fact, every text or email he’s sent me I’ve read over and over again, trying to pick them apart, find reasons why I shouldn’t let myself fall deeper into Hunter Ricks.

I haven’t found a reason to pull away yet.

Except for one simple fact.

We’ve been at this texting game for a week straight and there’s been no talk of an actual date. None. And I’m not going to be the one to suggest it. He’s the one who has to prove himself, not me.

Plus…I’m not sure how I would even go about asking or planning such a thing. I’m shy, remember?

“Who is he?”

I lift my head and look at Fiona in the driver’s seat. “Huh?”

Fiona smiles glancing at me from the driver’s seat as we speed down Ventura Boulevard. “You’re staring at your phone like you could kiss it and have a big stupid smile on your face. Who is he?”

I turn off the screen on my phone and tuck it between my thighs. “No one.”

“Uh-huh. Likely story.”

“Fiona…”

“Come on! It’s not often I get to probe you about your love life.”

I give her a side eye. “Why? Because it’s non-existent?”

Fiona hesitates. “You said it, not me.”

I laugh. For once, it’s not. For once, it’s very real. Well, almost. “We’re just talking right now.”

“How’d you meet him?”

I bite the inside of my cheek. “Um. Mutual friend.”

“Sounds suspicious.”

“Listen –”

“Kidding, kidding.” Fiona is quiet for a moment. “You only have to tell me what you want to. I’m not going to pry.”

Fiona is a friend and she’s also a bit like a surrogate mom on occasions. Like a cool mom who would let you drink in her basement when you’re underage. “There’s not a lot to tell.” Liar. “We just have been talking a little bit. Nothing is happening.”

“You haven’t gone on a date?”

I sigh. “He hasn’t even asked me out.”