I guess I need to figure out how to install Skype on my computer.
I sent a message to Holly to let her know I was back home safe, and then loaded up my laptop. I got the program installed, put Holly’s number in, and a few seconds later, she was on the screen. We talked for a couple of hours and promised to talk again the next day. My house felt lonelier than ever after I closed my laptop. I didn’t have anything in my fridge that was appetizing, and a few things had expired while I was away, so I cleaned it out and ordered something from a local delivery place. It was far from healthy, but what I had for breakfast had worn off completely, so I needed to eat something.
Holly and I sent a few text messages throughout the evening, and I watched a movie until it was finally late enough to go to bed. I was in no hurry to return to the real world after spending the week with Holly, but I didn’t have a choice. I just had to make it to the end of my residency, and then I could figure out what I was going to do with the rest of my life. I had a lot to think about before I had to make a decision—and my analytical brain was going to love that.
Maybe I should consider some options in Arizona—just when I thought it was the right time in my life to buy a house in Los Angeles…
Chapter Twelve
Holly
A few days later
“Are you avoiding me or something?” Bianca walked up beside me as I was walking to my next class.
“Huh? No…” I turned my head towards her in confusion.
“I told you I wanted to talk to you after class, and you just darted out of the room like your panties were on fire.” She eyed me suspiciously.
“Oh, right. I’m sorry.” I stopped my hurried pace. “My mind was just—elsewhere.”
With a certain doctor in Los Angeles…
“You must have a boyfriend.” Her eyes lit up. “A week at this place and you’re already hooking up? I thought I was going to be the school slut.”
“You say that like it’s something to be proud of.” I blinked in surprise.
“If it’s the right guy…” She grinned but it faded when she realized I wasn’t smiling. “I’m joking—relax. If I made it through high school without losing my v-card, I’m sure not going to give it to some guy in freaking Arizona of all places. If I was at Harvard—maybe.”
I really don’t want to have this conversation—or admit that I’m seeing someone.
“What did you want to talk to me about?” I rapidly changed the subject.
“Drinks, of course.” She nudged me. “We need to hang out. We’re both L.A. girls in Arizona. The people here are so lame.”
&nbs
p; They seem fine to me…
“Okay.” I shrugged. “Why not. I don’t have a fake ID though, so we’re not getting into a bar or anything.”
“You leave that to me.” Bianca winked.
We traded cell phone numbers, and then I had to scramble in order to make it to my next class with seconds to spare. I wasn’t that excited about hanging out with her, but a distraction might be nice. All I did after school every day was sit in my dorm room, work on my school assignments and talk to Everette when I had the chance. He was supposed to be working on Saturday night and it would be pretty boring if I didn’t get out of my dorm at some point. Bianca sent me a couple of messages during the day, and I responded when I could. She was awfully determined to be my friend considering that I hadn’t really done much of anything to suggest that we shared a mutual interest in that department.
I guess I have a new friend whether I want one or not…
A few days later
“Over here!” Bianca motioned to me as soon as I stepped out of my car.
“Hey.” I walked over and smiled. “I was surprised you picked this place—I thought you wanted to get a drink.”
“I heard some of the girls in one of my classes—they said if you flirt with the guy at the bar, he won’t ask for ID.” She grinned. “So get ready to flirt.”
“Uh…” I blinked in surprise.
“Fine, I’ll flirt. You just stand there and look pretty.” Bianca took a couple of puffs from her vape and blew a cloud into the wind.