Page 27 of Ripple Effect

hey, stranger. this is daisy. you know, from the beach. I hope you don’t mind but I asked around for your number

Elio

I don’t mind. hi, daisy.

Daisy

oh! hi! I missed seeing you around this week! we should meet up if you’re not too busy

I’m not sure how she managed to get my number, especially since I’ve been keeping a low profile ever since Kaia left. But I don’t find myself annoyed or put off by it—quite the opposite, actually.

There’s a sense of warmth in her message, a sincere effort to connect that’s vastly different from my experiences with Sapphire—her relentless demands and expectations. In contrast, Daisy’s approach feels genuine. Endearing, even. She’s not intruding, not invading my privacy.

She’s just ... simply reaching out.

As I think about my answer, there’s a flicker of peace that I haven’t felt in a while. It’s been an intense week, to say the least, and the prospect of seeing Daisy—of spending time outside the constraints of my work life, my academics—seems like it could be a nice distraction.

Elio

what did you have in mind?

Daisy

want to go on a bike ride to this little ice cream place? I’ve been craving something strawberry

you mean the golden cone? I actually don’t have a bike

yes! & no worries, you can borrow my friend max’s

I stir, shaking off the lethargic weight of sleep. A bike ride with Daisy could provide a much-needed change of pace, but there’s a small part of me that’s already worrying about the work I’ve yet to do.

Tonight, I’m supposed to film my first partnered scene in a long while. It’s a step I’ve been reluctant to take after my last panic attack—or whatever the hell that was—which sidelined me out of nowhere. But it’s a move I need to make, if only to tide me over for a while and keep my subscriptions steady.

It’s not that I’m wholly unprepared for it; I’ve been doing this for long enough to know what needs to be done. But it’s not something I can rush through. I’ll need to pace myself, focus on staying relaxed and comfortable. If I wear myself out during the day, then there’s no guarantee I’ll be on my A game when the time comes.

I tap out a quick response to Daisy, reminding myself that I can just take it easy on the ride. It’s a simple enough combination—biking, ice cream, and a girl who helps my brain relax. There’s no chance of this derailing my plans.

Elio

yeah, okay. send me your address and I can be there by lunch

I send off the message, already picturing the warm sun, the gentle coastal breeze, and the company of someone who just wants me for me. Elio Reynolds, not Everett Rain. Someone who isn’t asking anything more of me than a bike ride and a scoop of strawberry ice cream.

* * *

The day is heatingup when I arrive at Daisy’s place, the sun high and bright in the clear sky. I’ve donned my usual casual attire—dark jeans, a simple T-shirt—but this time, I’ve swapped my boots for a pair of old sneakers better suited for bike riding.

Daisy looks exactly like I remember. Her amber eyes are sparkling with anticipation, her bright, blonde hair loose and tousled from the breeze. She’s wearing these little denim shorts and a loose white top that highlights her sun-kissed cheeks.

When she spots me, her smile is as warm and welcoming as the Carolina sun.

“Hey, El,” she greets, her voice light, wistful.

I give her an easy grin, and she points to the pair of bikes resting against the side of her complex. Hers is bright yellow with a little basket hanging off the front, while Max’s is a plain blue—sleek and discreet.

“You up for an adventure?” she asks.

“Not sure I have another option.”

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