I slammed the car door shut and walked up the driveway into my house. My mom was in the kitchen with my aunt, snacking and chatting.
“Oh Hayley. You’re home early. How was the beach?” My mom asked. I kicked off my flip flops.
“It was fine.” I said. “Hi auntie Christine.”
“Hi Hayley. How are you?” My aunt asked.
“I’m ok.” I answered. I looked back at my mom. “I’ll be upstairs. If Jamie knocks on the door, give her the keys to her car.” I dropped the keys on the table, grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and trudged upstairs.
Even though I was only at the beach for an hour or so, it was hot and I was sweaty. I stripped off my damp clothes and stepped into the shower. When I came out, Jamie was sitting on my bed.
“So, you just decided to steal my car?” She asked.
“Um, it was an emergency?”
“It’s ok. Caleb gave me a ride home anyway. I heard about your little fight scene with your ex boy toy.” Jamie said. I sighed and pulled on a shirt.
“Yeah. But I don’t care anymore.” I said. We sat in silence for a while.
“You got Riker’s number, right?” She asked. I nodded. “Well… Text him!”
“Now? I just met him. Wouldn’t it be too soon?” I protested.
“Yes now! What if he meets someone new and far more interesting and forgets all about you?” Jamie said.
“Well thanks a lot.” I muttered at her comment of me being “not that interesting.”
“What was that?” She asked.
“Nothing.” I said. I sighed again. “Fine, I’ll text him.” Jamie squealed as I took out my phone and opened up a new text message to Riker.
“Hi Riker. It’s Hayley from the beach.” I typed. Before I could stop myself, I pressed send. A minute later, I got a reply.
“Hi Hayley. Are you ok?” He asked. I smiled, getting ready to reply, when Jamie took the phone away.
“Give it back!” I shouted, jumping over her. She pushed me off and ran into the bathroom. I banged on the door. “Jasmine Aimee Parker, you better not send anything embarrassing to him or I will kill you!” I threatened, using her full name. She came out smiling so I grabbed the phone back. Looking at the screen, I cringed.
“I’m fine. I was wondering if tomorrow you wanna meet up at Starbucks?”
“You asked him out on a date?!” I shouted.
“For you, sweetcakes.” Jamie said.
“Why would you do that?!”
“Because you obviously like him.”
“What if he says no?” I said, sitting on the edge on my bed. I buried my head in my hands. Jamie touched my shoulder.
“He’s is not gonna say no and if he does, he’ll have to deal with me.” Jamie said, in her protective friend voice. I peeked up at her. Her eyes were sympathetic. You could tell she wanted to be happy. My phone rang making me jump a little. I dared a peek at the screen and relaxed a little.
“Sounds great. I was actually thinking about asking you. See you tomorrow :)”
Jamie looked over my shoulder at the text message.
“You see! I know what I’m doing.” Jamie smiled. I hugged her.
“You’re the best!” I said.
“Yeah, yeah. Now, do you mind if I keep the pink bikini?”
