“I don’t know, Simone. I feel a little partied-out lately. Haven’t really been in the mood.”
“Okay, that’s fine,” she says, thinking. “Maybe we can just all go out together to dinner or something? Get all the girls and all the guys together?”
I can’t help but think about what Eli said about Katie and Harper, what he always says about them. I don’t want to make him feel uncomfortable, even though Iwouldlike them to be around. I want him to have a good time, and I don’t really want to hear him complain about them, so maybe finding a way to do something without them could be better?
“I think I might just enjoy a nice little double date with you and Tyler. Can we just do that?”
She looks at me, trying to pick my brain without asking too many questions. “Sure, if that’s what you wanna do, but I still get to help you pick out a nice outfit. You should look hot on your birthday, no matter what we do or where we go.”
“Fine,” I say, playfully rolling my eyes.
After we eat breakfast together and catch each other up on everything we’ve been missing lately, we head over to the mall.
As we’re looking through a rack of dresses, I feel my phone vibrate with what I assume is a text message.
I pull it out to read it.
Eli: Happy birthday, babe. I’m so lucky to get to spend this year with you on your special day and get to call you my girlfriend. I couldn’t ask for anyone better. I love you
I can’t stop smiling at my phone, reading his message.
Lydia: Aww, you’re so sweet. I love you too. I can’t wait to see you
Eli: What are you doing?
Lydia: I’m at the mall with Simone, picking out something to wear tonight. We’re gonna do a double date dinner with her and Tyler
Eli: You didn’t tell me you were going anywhere this morning?
Lydia: Yeah, Simone just kinda showed up at the house. I didn’t know she was coming. She basically dragged me out of bed and said she was taking me to breakfast and then shopping for an outfit
Eli: Wish you would have told me
Lydia: I’m sorry, I didn’t think it was a big deal
Eli: Feels like you’re hiding things when you don’t tell me until I have to ask
My heart sinks a little. Is he mad at me? I never really have anyone I feel the need to check in with. Seems a little weird, but maybe he just wants to make sure I’m safe? I don’t know. I obviously wouldn’t be doing anything wrong?
Lydia: I’m not hiding anything…I’m just with Simone
Eli: Okay
Lydia: Are we okay?
Eli: Yeah…so when do I get to see you, since you seem like you have a pretty busy schedule?
Lydia: You can come over after she drops me off back at home?
Eli: Sure. Just text me when you’re headed back home
Lydia: I love you
Eli: Love you too
I try to shake the weird feeling I have, like Eli is upset with me. I can’t really tell, but I don’t like how it feels not to know. I put my phone away and silently go back to looking at clothes.
Simone looks over at me. “You good? You’ve been glued to that screen since we got into this store.”
