pull me back | a drag me down spin off

【thirteen】

This morning was.. well, it was weird. First of all, things with Cameron seem to be a little awkward since our kiss last night. When we were driving home from the party, he barely said two words to me. Then I did something I shouldn't have done. I told him that Riker and I were going out on a date tonight.

He didn't say anything at first, the only words he said was for me to tell my parents and to be honest with them. My mind flashed back to the kiss a few times as I was tossing and turning in bed. It was weird for me. Cameron has been my best friend since we were fifteen, and suddenly his mouth was on mine and his hands were in places they have never been.

I've never been introduced to that side of Cameron, but now I know he's not just some dorky sidekick of mine. He has an entire sexual side I didn't even realize could exist. He hasn't texted me all day, and the radio silence feels odd. It doesn't feel right.

Fast forward to this afternoon, I briefly told my mom and dad that I was going on a date tonight. Of course Mom's first instinct was to ask me if Cameron was the lucky man taking me out. I crushed her dreams by telling her no. Once that was out of the way, Dad asked me who it was with. The name Riker Sinclair easily fell out of my mouth and the unfamiliar name seemed to confuse my parents.

They told me it was fine to go out with him tonight, as long as they met him. That has been the rule since my early teen years, so I didn't expect anything less. Skylar is all excited to see if he's hot, and boy she's in for a treat.

Now, as I apply the finishing touches of my makeup, I patiently wait for the doorbell to ring. It'll be nice to have a night away from school and hunting down bank robbers. I look at myself in the mirror and inhale a breath.

My date night outfit consists of a red blouse with the sleeves hanging low on my arms and light blue ripped jeans. I applied my hair in wavy beach curls and left it in a half up half down style.

Before I grab my purse, I check my phone again. Riker texted me he was on his way, but there is still no sign from Cameron. I anxiously pull up our messages and click to send him a new one.

me:
hey, sorry if things got weird yesterday at the party. I just wanted to make sure everything was good between us??

When I see three little dots appear in our conversation, excitement fills my stomach. Cameron usually answers right away, and today is no exception.

cam❤️:
all good, have fun on your date tonight

A low frown forms on my face as I lock my phone and place it in my purse. I decide to head downstairs now, so when Riker comes it'll be a quick meeting.

Walking down the steps, I notice Mom folding laundry in the living room. My sister is watching tv next to her. Her blue-gray eyes shift up when she notices me.

"Wow, you look gorgeous, baby." Her smile is warm and happy.

"Thanks, mom. Are you sure the jeans are a good fit? I could always put shorts on-"

"No, that outfit it adorable." She compliments.

"So, what time is Riker coming to get you?" Dad appears from the kitchen.

"Hopefully soon." Skylar smirks, glancing back at me.

"This is your first date in awhile, are you nervous?" Mom always asks this right before I go out with a boy.

"A little, but I'll be fine." I fold my hands together and look back at my father.

Uncle Duke emerges from the guest bedroom, and notices all of us anxiously standing in the living room. "Is there a Dolan family meeting I didn't know about?"