I drummed my fingers over my English essay and focused on Jeremy. With his curly brown hair and brown eyes hidden behind glasses, he really was nerdy in a cute way. He was impossibly tall and lean, but you could tell he worked out. He was the perfect mix of sporty and smart for Daisy.
My friend tucked a piece of hair behind her ear and stood. The outfit of black jeans and a cute baby-blue ruffled-sleeve top looked great on her as she excused herselfto the bathroom.
Picking up my phone, I shoot her a quick text.
All okay?
Within seconds, she replied.
Daisy
Yes! He is so sweet. We are going for a walk after.
Glancing at the still high sun, I nodded, yet being mindful of the approaching sunset.
Are you going to watch the sunset over the hiking trail?
San Matjo didn't have much beyond two universities that hated each other, but we had hiking trails. I wasn't a fan of hiking, running, or any other type of cardio, but most people enjoyed it.
Daisy
That was the plan.
Jeremy looked nice enough, but I wasn't sure how I felt about allowing my best friend, who just gotten out of an abusive relationship, to go into the woods with a stranger.
Okay, stranger was a stretch, but I wanted to look out for her.
Are you okay with that?
Three dots danced on my screen before disappearing andreappearing.
Daisy
I want to be, but it's lowkey making me nervous. I know he won't do anything, but I just don't like the idea of being alone with him like that yet. Am I overreacting?
No. Give me a sec.
I quickly scrolled through the long list of contacts on my phone and had several to message. I could have texted Nova to join me and make it fun. I could have messaged Max, as he would want to keep an eye out for his girlfriend's baby sister. I could easily message my brother, who would love a good hike. Yet, my finger hovered over Derek's name as usual.
After all, we were supposed to have a Pilates class later today.
Before I could talk myself out of it, I called him.
“Hey, Rosebud,” he picked up after the second ring, sounding awfully cheerful.
“Practice was that good?” I asked, hopeful that he was making a breakthrough.
The only reply I got was a scoff. “Riveting.”
“I see we're using big words,” I muttered, trying not to laugh. “How about we cancel our class?”
There was a pause. “Sure, whatever.”
If I were delusional, I would have thought he was sad that I was cancelling. Maybe he even wanted to see me. Maybe it wasn't all in my head.
“Daisy is going on a small walk in the woods with her date, and I'm going to trail them. Want to keep my company so I don't look like a creepy stalker roommate?” I asked.
“Of course.” I could have sworn he was smiling. “Ping me the location.”
