Surreal Perfection (Camren)

Ch 26

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It takes a second or two for my eyes to adjust, and then another few seconds to process what I'm reading, and who it's from.

I rub my eyes, and look again at the unexpected message.

It's from Nikki.

It's a little out of the blue, especially since we haven't spoken since I crashed over at her house a week ago.

Nikki: Hi

I wait a few seconds, to see if she's going to write anything else, but my screen remains unchanged.

I push myself up on my bed, and write back.

Me: Hey

I glance up at the time, and it's a little past eleven.

Nikki: so i'm holding some random girl's hair back while she vomits into the bathroom sink, and it made me think of you

As gross as it is, I don't know why, but her text makes me let out a quick laugh.

Me: r u seriously associating me w/ vomiting right now?

Nikki: if it's any consolation, your vom face is way cuter 😉

Wait, is she flirting with me?

Nikki: but u had terrible aim

Nikki: sry, i may hve had a few 🍻🍻

Okay, no, she's just drunk.

Me: i guess if i've puked in front of you, u're allowed to drunk text me

A few minutes pass, and I start to think that the conversation's going to end here, but my phone buzzes again.

Nikki: so am i allowed to ask you out too?

Nikki: on a date?

Nikki: tomorrow, around 7?

Okay, scratch that, she's definitely more than flirting.

I stare at the screen for a few moments, unsure of what to do.

I'm a little surprised at how direct she's being, but I'm more surprised that I'm considering it.

The last thing I need right now, is to add any more complications into my life.

And based on that brief kiss we shared when we first met, going out with Nikki, would definitely be a complication.

But then maybe this is what I need right now; to go on a couple of dates, to think of something, someone other than Lauren.

Something easy, someone I have less history, or baggage with.

I continue to sit in my bed for a few minutes longer, with the bright light of the screen, illuminating my face.

No, I should say no.

I'm clearly not over Lauren, and it wouldn't be fair to Nikki to start something now. I nod to myself, and type back.

Me: i'm flattered, tbh, but dating isn't exactly a good idea for me right now...

As soon as I hit send, I feel sort of proud of myself, even though a part of me did want to say yes, just to see where it goes.

Look at me, being an adult; Ally would be proud of me.

Not even a minute later though, Nikki responds.

Nikki: shit, did I say date? damn auto-correct