Messages

Derek S.: Hey.

Casey L.: What?

Derek S.: Nice sunshine you got there.

Casey L.: Bite me.

Derek S.: Already did once.

Casey L.: I’m going to Dalton right now just to hurt you.

Derek S.: Not looking for a fight.

Casey L.: Then what?!

Derek S.: Come to prom with me.

Casey L.: There aren’t enough hell no-s in the world to suffice.

Derek S.: Please…?

Casey L.: Did you fall and hit your head or something?

Derek S.: I started out wrong. Meet me now? Same place?

Casey L.: Give me one good reason to.

Derek S.: …I don’t have one good enough.

Casey L.: Fine. I’ll give you five minutes. If you come within a foot of me, I’m out.

Derek S.: That’s all I want.

Casey L.: Whatever.

Derek S.: …Thanks, Casey.

———

Julian looked down at his friend, smirking. “What did she say?”

“Didn’t answer the last one.” Derek tucked his phone back into his blazer pocket. “But she’s coming.”

Julian nodded and patted him heavily on the shoulder. “Good job, D.”

“Take care of Logan for the afternoon?” Derek asked worriedly as the actor walked off.

“I’ve got it, King D.”

Julian was at the door when Derek looked up suddenly. “Hey Jules?”

“What?”

Derek looked down at his hands, clutching his coffee cup shakily. “…was it always this scary for you? To say it, I mean?”

Julian looked at his friend for a moment and smiled. “All the time. But you’re better than me, so… Good luck, D.”

“See you later, Jules.”

When his friend disappeared out the coffee house doors, Derek leaned back and waited with a sigh for the familiar figure of a girl who he hadn’t seen in the flesh for months, but many times in his sleep.