“I didn’t tell him anything. I was too surprised,” I explain into the speaker. “And real fake-dating isn’t a thing. It’s just dating, then, right? I’ve been trying to un-fall for him. But it’s not working great. And then I came up with a theory. Maybe I’ve been looking at it all wrong. Maybe I’ve been hung up on Ryder for so many yearsbecausehe’s been unattainable. Except for last night, of course.”
“Well, forbidden fruit does taste best.”
“Exactly. I hate being told no. I love a challenge. When I was running my store, one of my favorite parts was chasing down an amazing fashion find. It would make perfect sense that I haven’t been able to get over Ryder, precisely because I couldn’t have him. Every time I’m with a guy, we never last. I always get bored. Or I stop liking them because they do something I just can’t handle.”
“Like what?”
“Like, a guy will hook up with someone else in front of me. Or he’ll wear Crocs. He’ll disappear for two months with no explanation and then suddenly call again. Or worse, he’ll use the bathroom with the door open.”
“Okay, darling. You need to talk to someone about your choices in men.”
“But don’t you see? If Ryder and I date, then it will be like all the other times. He’s a guy. He’s bound to disappoint me again. Or turn me off. Something will happen, and we won’t get along. He’ll no longer be that perfect man I’ve built up in my head.”The more I think about it, the better the idea sounds. “Plus. We were fire together, Taylor.Fire. It wouldn’t be fair to my body to deprive it like that.”
Taylor laughs. “You’re just making up excuses to do what you want and be with him. You might fool yourself, but you can’t fool me.”
“Maybe you’re a little right. But making smart decisions is super boring. It’s just not in my nature. And my guard is up now. I refuse to fall for him again. My heart and my hope are no longer on the table.”
Unfortunately, my body would still very much like to be on the table. Images of Ryder and me getting busy on the lovely wooden kitchen table take over my traitorous mind.
What if I could have him and not get hurt? What if my theory could actually be true? If my obsession with Ryder is because he was unavailable, then dating him could serve dual purposes. I’d both get him and I’d get over him.
Two for the price of one. Win-win.
“Well, in my book, good sex is never wrong, especially if you care about the person. So go forth and prosper,” Taylor says. “But I have something more important than boys to talk to you about. You, Daisy Lane, are onChicmagazine’s It List! Avery Woods reposted your picture on her social media account and said she loved your style.Avery. Woods. The most iconic and successful pop star in America. She has four hundred million followers on IG. You’re trending, Daisy. And this time, it’s for your style and not for loving a boy.”
“Holy shit. I can’t believe it. I love Avery Woods!”
“Honey, we all love her.”
“But which photo was it? What was I wearing?” I put a hand to my flushed cheeks. I’m giddy with disbelief and excitement.
“It’s the one with that cute polka-dot dress.”
“I made that dress!” I cry into the phone. “Me! With my own little hands!” I laugh in pure delight.
“This is an opportunity, Daisy. Don’t waste it.”
“What do you think I should do? WhatcanI do?”
“Well, first, get your cute little ass on Instagram. And respond to her post. Your IG is probably blowing up right now.”
“Okay. I can do that.”
“And then go look in the mirror and tell yourself, ‘I deserve this. I worked hard for it.’”
“Um. I’m not sure that’s exactly true.”
“Babe. Every minute you’re not hanging with Archie or Ryder, you’re on that sewing machine of yours or combing through obscure fashion archives on the internet.”
“Hey. They’re not obscure. They’re interesting.”
“You were reading an article called the history of pleats the other day. Interesting is subjective here. But the point is, you’re the one who took a shitty situation where you’re being hunted by the paparazzi and turned it into your own private fashion show. Well, yours and Archie’s.”
“He really is the best model.”
“Go network with the rich and famous online. Tell Avery I said hi.”
“I will. And, Taylor?”
