Page 33 of Safe Place

I almost laugh. “No. I don’t really have the time to date. You?”

“I date around,” she says with a shrug. “Nothing serious. No one worth being exclusive with yet, you know? When’s the last time you were with someone?”

Casual dating isn't something I've ever really done—or any dating at all, really. “I guess there was someone last year,” I say. “We weren’t together or anything, though—it was just a crush on my end. We had Public Speaking together.”

“And?”

“He was a year ahead of me. Really well-spoken—never stumbled over a single word during presentations, which I was in awe of. We got paired up for a project, and one day he just asked me what I actually wanted to do with my life, not what I was studying, not what I was planning—what I wanted. Nobody had ever asked me that before.” I pause. “I didn't even have an answer. But I remember thinking—this person sees me. And then the semester ended and he just…didn't get in touch. Neither did I, I guess. But it still stung more than it should have for something that was never really anything.”

Poppy lights up. “What’s his name? Do you know his major?”

I shake my head. “Not sure about the last name, but his name is Holden, and I think he was a poli-sci major. Or maybe pre-law? Something similar to mine.”

Poppy’s already pulling out her phone. “I’m a professional social media stalker. Let’s find him.”

I wave my hands. “No, it’s fine! I haven’t even thought about him in months. Just came up because of your question.”

She grins. “Fine. But if you change your mind, I’m your girl.”

I laugh. “What about you? Looking for a boyfriend?”

She leans back, eyes softening a little. “Maybe? I’m not sure. My courseload isn’t too bad yet, so I’m just going on dates, but mostly casual stuff.”

I almost envy how easy she makes it sound—dating like it's a hobby instead of a whole production.

I glance over at her. “Actually, can I actually get your thoughts on something?”

Poppy nods eagerly.

“There's this guy,” I say, fiddling with the edge of my sleeve. “He keeps showing up. Helps me out, drives me places. I don't know if it means anything or if he's just like that with everyone.”

Poppy leans forward. “Sophie, take a look in the mirror. You know you’re really pretty, right? You’ve totally got that girl-next-door, innocent thing that guys would die for. That guy is definitely into you. There’s no coincidence with guys. And if he’s not into you, he’s probably just not into girls at all.”

I laugh, and immediately feel my cheeks start to warm. Then my phone buzzes on the counter.

I glance at the screen. My stomach tightens. Micah. Speak of the devil.

Did he hear me say that?

I glance around, but there’s no sign of him.

Poppy catches my change in expression. “What’s wrong?”

“It’s him,” I say, staring at the text. Then I read it.

Micah

Hey Soph. Grant, Wyatt, and I are on campus ‘til six. Want to grab dinner after?

Wait—you’re on campus today, right? If you’re at the cafe, we’re planning to swing by around six. Want to grab dinner with us?

Wow, that sounded way more casual in my head.

Dinner? Six? Hope you’re free.

“What does he want?” Poppy asks, way too excited.

“He wants to grab dinner tonight,” I say.