Page 56 of The Disasters of Dating

---

“Have a good day,” I say lamely.

“You, too.”

I hurry and pull up Paisleigh’s name.

NM. You’re off the hook.

Paisleigh

???

You don’t have to go hiking with me anymore. I found someone else.

Paisleigh

What? You’re replacing me?With who???

Airport guy.

Paisleigh

You threw me over for a guy? The airport guy? But he’s a tourist.

Ugh. She really knows how to hit where it hurts.

We’re just friends. So I’m not breaking my rule.

Paisleigh

I don’t need your crap, Pais. Besides, I thought you’d be happy that you didn’t have to go.

Paisleigh

But now I’m in the mood for fruit strips…

I’ll bring some over before I go.

Paisleigh

Have fun on your hike!!!

CHAPTER 18

POPPY

There are a million thoughts competing for attention in your brain. Undoubtedly, a few too many. Relax and take a deep breath. For the time being, focus on tidying the messy aspects of your life.

I pullmy car into the parking lot of the visitors’ center at Brighton Ski Resort. It’s a short drive up Big Cottonwood Canyon. The parking lot is already pretty full, and I have to circle a few times before we find a newly vacated spot.

Keaton looks out the window and whistles. “Wow.” His head tilts to the side as he scans the mountain in front of us. “That’s a mountain.”

I smile and chuckle lightly. “Yeah, I guess it is.” I look over at him. “Should we go?”

He looks at me and then back at the mountain. “I think I may change my vote and say I want an easy hike.”

“Then I picked the right one.”

He stares at me. “Are you sure? That’s super high and super steep.”

---