“I think so too.”
Katie and Harper walk over to us, pretzels in hand, laughing at something together.
“So, what are your birthday plans, Simone?” Katie asks.
“We’re having a party over at Tyler’s house. His mom is going out of town this weekend with some new boyfriend, and she’s not forcing him to stay at his dad’s place, so he’ll have an empty house. It’ll be low-key, but fun.”
“I should get a dress while we’re here, too,” Harper says, already looking through the rack.
My phone buzzes in the pocket of my jeans, and I pull it out to see a text from Eli.
Eli: What are you doing gorgeous?
Simone is busy talking to Katie and Harper now, so I sneak away to sit on a bench by the dressing rooms, taking my phone back out to reply.
Lydia: Still with the girls at the mall
Three little dots pop up instantly.
Eli: Can I come by and pick you up? Maybe we can hang out for a little before I have to go to training?
Lydia: I think Simone is spending the night at my place tonight so I can help her do some last-minute planning for the party this weekend
Eli: :( okay
I wish I could see him. I feel bad that he wants to, and I can’t.
Another text comes through.
Eli: Am I at least invited to this party you’ll be at?
I smile at how cute he is, knowing he always wants to be around me.
Lydia: Of course, I was going to ask you if you wanted to come
Eli: Yeah, I’ll be there. Wanna make sure none of those guys you used to know try to hit on you when they see how hot you’ve gotten
I actually laugh at the thought of that.
Lydia: Yeah, I don’t think you have to worry about that. That never happens
Eli: It happened with me
Lydia: You’re the exception
Eli: Good, let’s make sure it stays that way
Eli: I’ll be thinking about you tonight since I don’t get to see you
“What are you smiling at?” Katie asks as she and Harper walk over with a couple of dresses to try on.
“Nothing,” I say, grinning. “Just texting Eli.”
“Aw, how cute,” Harpercoos.
Katie doesn’t say anything, and then Simone walks over with an arm full of dresses. “Come help me try these on, Lydia.”
“Coming.”
