Chapter 24
Mia
I hated that Derek’s simple texts had such an effect on my mood. Usually only chocolate possessed that sort of magic. As days passed, I fell into a routine which made me feel on top of the world. I’d wake up early, go to work, pushing myself harder than I normally would, then come home and lose myself in some cheesy, embarrassing romance novel. The ones you’d never admit reading. The best part of my day though, was the moments in between spent swapping meaningless texts with Derek. Sometimes they were nothing. A simple hi or good morning. Other times, they were more. Just when I let my worries get the better of me and convince me I was being friend zoned, it seemed like Derek could read my mind and a flirty, sexy message would come through. The only darkness in the days was we hadn’t managed to actually see each other. On the other hand, that was a good thing. It meant every night I could wrap myself in his leather jacket and fall asleep, only to have Derek-filled dreams. They were the best sort of dreams to have.
The other thing that had been taking up way too much of my time was my quest to find the perfect apartment. Ever since the night Derek had spent in my bed I knew I wanted more like it. Or at least I wanted the freedom to have the option. No way did I want my parents seeing stuff like this. It was one thing to know your daughter was an adult, but witnessing it?I wasn’t sure they could handle it. I know I couldn’t. It was a frustrating endeavour. I wasn’t a snob, but I did have standards, and apparently there was a substantial gap between my standards and my budget. It was pissing me off. It was like now I’d made the decision, I wanted action as soon as possible. I didn’t understand it really. I’d moved home because I needed the safety. Craved it. Having someone near who I knew cared was more important than my pride. Now though, now the time had come for me to stand on my own two feet again. I’d like to believe I’d given myself that strength to make the final call, perhaps Derek’s belief in me may have just been the kick in the ass I needed. Whichever it was, it didn’t matter. I’d made the decision, now I just had to make the move.
My phone beeped and I stumbled off my bed.
Derek: What’s doing, pretty girl?
Glancing down at my oversized pyjamas with the spaghetti stain from earlier this evening, I silently berated myself. I was looking so hot on a Friday night. Definitely ready to go party.
I thought about lying. For a few deep breaths I considered telling him I was getting ready for a date, or a night out, or even suggesting I was lying naked in a bubble bath, but I couldn’t do it. That wasn’t me. Instead I’d told the truth, even if I was somewhat vague.
Mia: Not a lot. You?
Derek: Heading to work.
Mia: Have fun with that.
The disappointment that flooded me was undeniable and slightly annoying. I shouldn’t feel disappointed. Derek and I had made no promises to each other. I did want to see him again, though. Preferably soon.
Derek: Come say hi.
The message knocked the wind out of me. It was like he took the words right out of my mouth.
Mia: Aren’t you working?
Derek: So?
Derek: Just means, you know, you won’t have to wait in line outside.
Mia: There is that.
Derek: So, you’ll come?
Mia: ???
I hated clubs. I never went unless I was forced to, usually by Josie. I couldn’t go by myself. I might have found some balls lately, but I wasn’t there yet. Without giving myself time to talk myself out of it, I shot messages off to Josie, Kenzie, and Zoe. If I could get one to come, then I’d go. I needed a wingman, and any of them would do.
Forcing open the sliding doors on my wardrobe, I groaned when it caught. Looking through the piles of clothes bursting on every shelf, I regret my choice. How could I go out? I had nothing to wear. A secret wave of hope flushed through me at my phone’s silence.
“Thank god,” I huffed, throwing myself on my bed like a five-year-old who didn’t get her way.
The words came out too soon.
Kenzie: I’m in. I’ll drive. Pick you up in an hour.
“Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!”
Kenzie knew me well. Too well. She’d managed to make sure I had no out even though I’d initiated it.
Regretfully, I shuffled into the bathroom and slammed the door, harder than was probably necessary
By the time I wobbled my way down the hall I could hear Kenz chatting happily with my mother. Never a good thing. Whenever those two got together, my life was inevitably scrutinized and assessed. They were both always on my side, always wanting nothing more than to see me happy, but I’d overheard enough conversations over the years to know they both worried that my whole life, hell, my whole world revolved around the gym.
“Have you two figured out what my next move is?” I asked, stepping into view.
