Page 20 of The Disasters of Dating
News flash. They’re going to be disappointed.
“I haven’t spent enough time with her to know if I like her.” I put my glass to my lips, hoping that will end the conversation. I glance toward the door, the thought of faking sick looking more and more appealing.
“So…who do you think is going to make it to the World Series this year?” Dan gives me a look and then nods. It’s the male-to-male equivalent of a wink. I think Dan might be my new best friend.
CHAPTER 7
POPPY
Don’t readily dismiss things that seem suspect. Use your intuition to know which things are for your benefit. But most of all, listen to your heart, Pisces. It will not lead you astray.
I knockon the door of Paisleigh’s apartment. It’s movie night and I’m ready to get started relaxing. I only have two weeks before the next semester starts, and I want to use my time wisely.
Her roommate, Becca, opens the door. “Hey, Poppy. Come on in. Paisleigh is still in the shower. But you can get settled.” She eyes my face and I can tell she wants to ask about my bruised forehead and eye. “The airport can be vicious,” is all the info I offer. If she wants more, she can ask. Becca and I aren’t close enough that I feel compelled to give her the whole story.
“Who knew?” She asks as she shuts the door behind me.
I step inside and smile at Becca. “Are you watching the movie with us?” I cross my fingers that her answer is no. Paisleigh is my best friend, not Becca. But she’s the roommate, so by my friendship with Paisleigh, I hang out with Becca a fair amount. But I wouldn’t call us friends. It’s more like we tolerate each other for the sake of Paisleigh. There isn’t any one thing that I can say, ‘I dislike her for X.’ We just don’t mesh. She thinks I’m some crazy hippy. And I think she’s a snob. I bet she and my Grandma Alice would get along famously, which sets off all kinds of warning bells in my head. The common denominator for us is Paisleigh. And we both believe (although I’m the one that’s right) that we are Paisleigh’s best friend.
She shakes her head. “No, I have a date.” She says it with a hint of hesitancy. Is she not sure she has a date, or is she not sure if she should tell me about it? Either way, it seems problematic. I mean the first scenario, I don’t need to explain why that is not good. But the second? Why should she worry about telling me? It’s not like I couldn’t date if I wanted to. I just don’t want to right now. I don’t have time for it. “Are you still dating Tanner?”
She scoffs. “No. I wouldn’t even say we were dating. We only went on, like, four dates.”
I nod. “Oh. I guess we haven’t talked in a while.” And I can’t say that I’ve missed it. I settle into the couch and pull some Red Vines and Pop Corners out of my bag. I’m not one of those kinds of people who can watch a movie and not eat anything. It’s unnatural, and I’m suspicious of anyone who does. It’s not surprising Becca doesn’t snack through movies.
“Hey, can you make sure that you clean up any crumbs? The last time you guys had a movie night, there was a ton of that popcorn stuff down between the cushions.”
I bite the inside of my cheek to stop myself from rolling my eyes. It wasn’t from me, I can guarantee it. I didn’t bring Pop Corners last time. I brought Swedish Fish and Corn Chex. Yes, I know that’s an odd combination. But I like it.
Instead, I just nod.
There’s a knock at the door, and Becca turns away from me to answer it. I allow my eyes to roll so hard it almost hurts.
“Hey,” Becca says as she opens the door. Not all the way, mind you, so I can’t actually see the guy. She’s such a weirdo. “I’m ready if you want to go.”
Why is she hiding him? Is she embarrassed by him and doesn’t want me to see him? I stand up and move to the far side. Tipping my head, I glance out the door. I grin when I see the handsome guy standing there. “Hey, Blake. How are you?”
Becca’s shoulders drop, and I hear her sigh. She opens the door a little wider, and Blake steps inside. “Hey, Poppy. I didn’t know you’d be here.”
I nod. “Yeah. Tonight is movie night with Pais.” I flick a glance at Becca. “Where are you two kids headed tonight?” I say in my best mom voice.
“Just to dinner and maybe a movie. We’ll see how the night goes.” Blake shoves his hands in his pockets.
“How do you know Blake?” Becca asks. The tone says she shouldhave her hands on her hips. But she doesn’t. I’m impressed with her restraint.
I shrug. “We went to high school together.” We went out a few times, too, but I don’t bring that up. I don’t want to ruin the night for them. Not that I have those abilities. But Becca does. I worry that Blake will be tainted by association with me. He’s already likely on the edge just by knowing me. I lift a hand and return to the couch. “Have fun, kids.”
Becca rolls her eyes, and I smile at Blake. He lifts his hand in a wave. “It was good to see you, Pops. Tell your family ‘hi’ for me, okay?”
I nod. “Will do.”
Becca shoos him outside and slams the door behind her.Whatever, Becca.She isn’t going to ruin my evening. I’m officially done with school—for two whole weeks.
The bathroom door opens, and Paisleigh comes out rubbing at her hair with a towel. “Hey Pops. Did I hear a guy’s voice out here?”
I nod. “Yeah, Becca’s date just came to pick her up.”
Paisleigh quirks up a brow. “Who’s the flavor of the month? I don’t think I’ve met this one.”
