Three dots appeared, then disappeared a couple of times, making my anxiety peak to its all high. I was cursing myself for asking that stupid question and ruining the moment.
Derek
You're passing with flying colors.
My stomach sank, and disappointment washed over me. I scolded myself for hoping it was anything more than what it really was.
I had a great teacher.
Derek
This was all you, trust me.
“You look like someone stole your candy,” Daisy's voice dragged me out of my trance of staring at my darkened screen.
I shook my head and grimaced. “It's nothing.”
“Can I read it?” she asked, sliding back next to me. “I can offer you advice.”
“I think I can conclude I messed up,” I sighed, turning my phone towards her.
Daisy's eyes scan the text, and at first, she grinned before she frowned. “Why would you say that?”
I shrugged. “I'm stupid, that’s why.”
“Maybe you should go out with someone,” she peeped up suddenly. “Guys always want what others have, so you can show him everything you learned from someone else, and he will be jealous.”
“I'm not interested in anyone else really,” I muttered, and Daisy grinned wider.
“I knew it, I'm glad you finally admitted it.” I rolled my eyes. “Now, we can finally plot how to help you get the guy.”
CHAPTER SEVEN
DEREK
The chilly September evening air licked at my face as I stared at the soccer field. Practice was brutal again this morning because the grass was damp, and I was afraid to slide on it.
I was scared of many things, and it was frustrating me. There were still moves even in Pilates that scared the shit out of me, and I didn't dare to do them. Only Rosie's encouragement helped. I have officially missed the first two games of the season, sitting on the bench.
Music blasted through my headphones, and I was really annoyed when I noticed Rosie added a 'We Are The Champions' cover. No one butchers the original one. But I had to admit it had its charm, and it was exactly what I needed.
Motivation and courage.
Somehow, she always knew what I needed, and that's why I caved and texted her.
I wasn't sure whether my heart was beating out of place because I’d texted her to meet me here, or because of my rising panic. Maybe evenboth.
We didn't have meetings. We did Pilates, crossed paths at the soccer house or on campus, but we never met up on purpose.
It wasn't even a date, and I was freaking out over the smallest thing.
Maybe because I cared about her on a deeper level. She understood me like no one else, and I could be honest and open with her. I wasn't Dex the funny guy with her; I could just be myself. Whoever that person was. I've never felt as comfortable with a person as I did with Rosie, and that scared me more than the possibility of injuring myself.
Or at least they were on a similar level.
“Hey, you!” Her voice dragged me out of my panicked thoughts, and I came face-to-face with her beaming smile. She was wearing a bubble-gum-pink workout set, and despite seeing her in these all the time, I couldn’t tear my gaze away from her long legs and chest. My eyes kept roaming her body until she laughed. “I know it's dark, but my eyes are up here.”
I found her beautiful blue eyes and sighed. “Sorry, crazy day.”
