(✓) 𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐢𝐝𝐞 • [𝒅𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒆𝒍 𝒔𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆𝒚]

four.

The next morning, Harlow and I are standing outside her dorm building. I can't wait to come back, but it's time to go back to high school.

"Thank you again for having me this weekend," I say, wrapping my arms around Harlow as we say goodbye.

"You'll have to come back soon. This was the best weekend I've had so far," Harlow says.

"Are you sure that wasn't because of Corbyn?" I tease. Her eyes go wide, and she smacks my arm playfully.

"Shhh. That was a one-time thing," insists Harlow. "Jack cannot find out. He would kill me."

"Your secret is safe with me. Obviously," I reply.

"Yeah, good thing Daniel's not a snitch either." There's an awkward pause in the conversation. Harlow and I avoid each other's gaze.

"Are you mad? About me and Daniel?" Last night, I told Harlow about Daniel asking me out. She told me she was too tired to have that conversation and went to sleep.

"I'm just worried for you. Every girl around here knows about his reputation. He sleeps around. Especially since you've never dated anyone—"

"So what? You think I can't handle a guy just because I'm a virgin?" I ask defensively.

"Hey, calm down! You know that's not what I mean. Daniel seems like a good guy, but he's not Prince Charming. He doesn't take his girls one at a time." Harlow seems determined to make her point.

"Look, I love you for looking out for me, but I just can't believe what everyone says. Daniel saved me! We were alone, and he wouldn't even put his arm around me! I refuse to believe he's just trying get in my pants."

Harlow and I look at each other silently. We are at a standstill. Harlow steps forward and embraces me gently.

"Just be careful, Aspen. You're my best friend, and I couldn't stand it if someone hurt you," Harlow whispers.

"I know. Thank you," I whisper back.

We pull away from our hug. I get into my car and wave at Harlow as I drive away. Something tells me I'm not leaving the college drama behind.

•••

Later that day, I'm laying on my bed pretending do homework. I can't concentrate on anything but Daniel.

He's different from any guy I've ever met before. Daniel is kind, mature, respectful. What else could I ask for?

As my mind continues spinning around Daniel and our upcoming date, Rory bounces into my bedroom. She plops herself down next to me.

"Hey, kiddo," she greets me. We like to joke that Rory's the older sister because she's always been wiser than I am. "Whatcha working on?"

"I'm trying to work on these Calc problems, but I can't concentrate," I sigh.

"You had a good weekend, huh? Tell me everything," Rory pleads, her eyes hungry.

"For starters, I almost died," I say matter-of-factly, not looking up from my notebook.

"What?!" Rory exclaims.

"It's not a big deal. And anyway, this really cute guy saved me," I look up and smile cheekily at my sister. I've really got her attention now.

"Did you happen to get this cute guy's name? Maybe his number even?" she jokes.

"Yes and yes," I reply.