I smile, keeping my eyes closed. “Just closing my eyes.”
When I open my eyes again, I realize that I fell asleep. I don’t hear the movie. I kick my feet around and mumble, “Dylan?” but there’s nothing but cushion under my feet. I glance down, and he’s not there.
“Seriously?” I call out. “Hey? Are you still here?”
Nothing.
I’m wide awake now. Did he seriously ditch me because I fell asleep for five minutes? I start patting the couch for my phone and feel a piece of paper on my chest. I have to force my eyes to focus.
I didn’t want to wake you. Coach called me in for my ankle.
I yawn, hoping that his ankle is okay and will heal soon. I know how much hockey means to him.
I’m relieved I have the rest of the day to myself. Shit, I sit up and search for my phone.
Fuck, when did it become seven? This is going to fuck up my class-work-sleep schedule. I can’t drink over the weekend again because I am feeling the side effects prolong throughout my week, and I cannot afford to slack.
My phone displays the time, a hundred likes on my Stories, and a text from Dylan.
Dylan: Let me know if you need anything.
I huff out of frustration, wishing I could turn back time and not take those three shots. Wanting his friends to like me isstupid. I see that now. I wanted to have a night to experience what it’s like to be someone in college, not an influencer, a business owner, or a dedicated student.
And now next weekend, I’m going to need liquid encouragement to approach Dane. He’s hot, rich, and intimidating as hell. I grab my phone and text Alix.
Cecily: I have my contacts ready. Still need it?
Alix: My parents are back on team Alix!
I exhale, relieved.
Cecily: Finally
Cecily: Wanna come to a party this weekend?
Alix: With hot hockey players? Hell yes!
I smile.
Cecily: Let’s get ready at my place. Be here by four on Friday, and we’ll get to the party by eight.
Alix: You cannot play health influencer if I’m coming. We’re getting plastered!
Shit. I bite my lip, knowing that’s not a good idea, but I need her on my side. I need her to have so much fun that she wants to come again the following weekend.
Cecily: One drink
She sends me a series of emojis depicting our journey to endure, starting at four on Friday. I smile, knowing that this girl will be the death of me. I send her back emojis that tell her she’s going to sleep over, and we can spend Saturday together.
I pull open Dylan’s text messages and take a pic of my ankle.
Cecily: Sending you healed ankle vibes
Dylan: Send more pics
Dylan: I’m going to start an OF of Cecily’s ankles. Your followers would instantly subscribe.
Two minutes later.
