Hostage to you

Caramel

The next day, Zoey is buzzing with energy, practically bouncing around the apartment as she gets ready to meet the guy from the skate park. She's been talking about him non-stop since we left yesterday, and now that they're actually meeting up again, it's like her excitement is on a whole new level.

"Okay, how do I look?" she asks, standing in front of the mirror and tugging at her shirt for the fifth time in the last minute.

I glance up from where I'm lounging on the couch, scrolling through my phone. "You look fine, Zoey. You've changed outfits, like, three times already."

"I know," she says, sighing dramatically. "But I want to look... you know, casual, but not like I'm trying too hard."

I raise an eyebrow. "Pretty sure that ship has sailed."

She shoots me a look. "Rude. But seriously, this guy's cool, and I don't want to blow it by showing up looking like a mess."

"You won't," I assure her. "You're gonna be fine."

Zoey takes a deep breath, finally settling on the outfit she's wearing. "Okay, you're right. I got this."

I smirk, shaking my head. "Good luck, Romeo."

She grins, giving me a playful salute before heading out the door. As soon as she's gone, the apartment feels way too quiet. Normally, I'd hit up the skate park or hang out with a few friends, but today... I don't know. I'm not really in the mood.

My phone buzzes, and I glance down to see a notification from Instagram. It's a DM from Billie. My heart does this weird little flip, and I roll my eyes at myself for even reacting like that. Still, I open the message.

Billie: so, are you free today or too busy being a pro skater again? ;)

I smirk, typing back quickly.

Raven: Ha, no pro moves today. What's up?

Billie: i was thinking maybe we could hang out? somewhere with fewer skateboards, since i'm clearly not cut out for that life

I smile at the message. Billie's humor always has this laid-back charm to it, and I find myself typing back before I can second-guess anything.

Raven: Sure. What did you have in mind?

There's a pause, and then another message pops up.

Billie: idk, coffee or something? keep it lowkey

Coffee. That sounds... normal. Like something friends do. I guess that's what this is, right? Just hanging out. I'm probably overthinking it.

Raven: Sounds good. When?

Billie: how about now? i'm free for once, which is a rare miracle lol

I laugh to myself. Billie, actually free from her usual whirlwind schedule? That's rare.

Raven: Alright, now works. Where?

Billie: there's a coffee spot near where we skated yesterday. meet me there in 20?

Raven: Cool. See you there.

When I get to the coffee shop, Billie's already sitting at one of the outdoor tables, sunglasses on her head and a coffee cup in front of her. She spots me immediately and waves me over with her usual relaxed grin.

"Hey! Right on time," she says as I sit down. "I'm impressed."

I smirk. "You're the one always running on your own schedule."

Billie laughs, leaning back in her chair. "Touché. What are you getting?"

"Caramel latte," I say, not even needing to look at the menu.