Friendly

Chapter 4

It's been a week since my nondate with Daryl at the diner. He and I have been texting off and on ever since. I have yet to take him up on the offer to go hang over at his place when Glenn is here. I had my tests today that I had to prepare for and ever since my talk with Maggie, her and Glenn have chilled out some with the noise. I only heard them once this week and that was late one night. Glenn has been working more and not over every night too which helps.

I do want to see Daryl again though. All week all I have done is study, study, study. My hard work seems to have paid off. One test was a breeze and the one I just got out of was challenging but I think I did okay. I get in Tink and check my phone before leaving the school parking lot.

3 New Text Messages:

1 new text message from Maggie 4:15 pm:

M: Glenn's coming over tonight and we are going to have a Fast and Furious marathon. I know you love you some Paul Walker.

I really do love me some Paul Walker but a movie marathon with them doesn't really tickle my fancy tonight. I have been cooped up at the apartment all week studying. I would much rather go out tonight for dinner or hang with friends. I will text her back in a minute.

2 new text messages from Daryl:

4pm: D: Don't worry. You're gonna crush it.

5:30pm D: How did your test go?

A huge grin spreads across my face reading Daryl's messages. He is off work today. I wonder if he wants to hang out? I decide to call him.

Daryl answers, "Hey."

"Hi, I just got out of my test."

"How did it go?" He asks.

"Fine. I think I did okay. It was harder than the last one, but I feel confident. How was your day off?"

"Pretty good. I got up early and did some huntin. I just got back a little while ago."

"Get any deer?" I inquire.

"I got a doe. I dropped it off at my brothers and I should get my meat from it this weekend." He pauses for a second before continuing, "What are up to? Got any big plans now that your tests are done?"

I hate to invite myself over. I was always told it's impolite, but he did give me a standing invitation. I bite my lip. "I don't know. I haven't figured it out yet. Maggie texted me and said her and Glenn are having a movie marathon, but I really don't want to be at the apartment. I want to go do something. It was so nice out today, I hated being stuck inside all day long." I enjoy being outside when the weather permits. Living in Georgia, it is normally so humid and hot, but today the weather has been in that rare sweet spot of just right. When I lived at home, on days like this, I would spend all day outside, riding my horse or fishing in the pond. Or if it was too late for those things, I would grab a blanket and stargaze.

"Wanna go for a ride on my motorcycle?" He offers.

"I have never ridden a motorcycle before. Sounds fun."

"When do you want me to come get you?"

"I want to go home and change, so around 6:45-7ish?

"Alright. See you then."

"Okay. Bye." I hang up and I cannot stop smiling. I start up Tink and head home. I have got to change and get ready for my night with Daryl.

I am looking in my mirror when my phone buzzes. It's Daryl saying he is on his way. I am so nervous and excited. This will be the first time he and I have intentionally hung out together just us. Every other time it has been coincidental. It's not a date, I tell myself, enough though it kinda feels like one. We are just two friends who are going to hang out. I check myself out one more time. I chose one of my favorite outfits. I have on my best skinny jeans, leather boots, a white tank with a loose open flannel. My hair is down in loose curls and my makeup is natural. I look comfortable but cute. I don't want to look like I am trying too hard. This works for a casual friend hang. I apply some light pink lipstick and I hear the engine of Daryl's bike pull up outside my window. I shake out my nerves, grab my phone, keys, and clutch and leave my room.