Page 36 of Walk With Me
Eden: 8:34 AM
See you later.
Eden: 8:34 AM
♥
She…she sent me a heart emoji. That’s a good sign, for sure.
Racing down the stairs, I slide into the kitchen Jerry Maguire-style. Yes, I know the movie. Mom and Dad have taught me well.
“She’s coming over later,” I pant.
“Okay. Should I make lunch?” Mom asks over her shoulder, chuckling at the sight of me looking all flustered.
“I was thinking we could have a picnic on the hike. That’s date territory, right?”
Mom winks. “That’s perfect, honey.”
The morning rushes by in a whirl of food prep and showering. I shave my legs, even though there’s no regrowth from the last time. It’s just part of my preparation routine, regardless of what clothes I’ll be wearing or what I’ll be doing.
Mom is a saint. There’s no other way to say it. She’s made me a backpack full of delicious food and sparkling apple cider. She said it was refreshing having to plan food that didn’t contain meat. She’s going to lose her shit when I finally invite Eden around for dinner. I’m betting she does a practice run through whatever vegetarian dish she cooks.
At twelve on the dot the doorbell chimes. My palms get sweaty quickly. Brushing down my clean shorts and t-shirt, I check my hair one last time. Okay, I’m ready.
Eden is slouched casually on the railing of our porch. Did she get another haircut? She looks so effortlessly cool.Her black hair is shorter, in an edgy modern mullet style. Both sides of her head look freshly shaved. Her bangs fall just past her eyebrow, which means she flicks it or blows it out of her eye every few minutes.
As usual, her upper body is swamped in a hoodie three sizes too big. It’s forest green with a rainbow decal. Her pants are tight and black, just how I like them on her.
Yum. Her butt looks great in them. As good as she looks, her clothes aren’t very practical for hiking.
“It’s the best I could do on short notice, Bishop!”
“I didn’t say anything, Sawyer,” I retort with a grin. She narrows her eyes playfully.
“Mmm, I still know what you were thinking.”
Shrugging, I lean against the door jamb. “You just might get warm, is all.”
“I’m wearing layers. Now, are we going?”
Mom decides that’s the perfect time to step out holding my backpack. I specifically told her not to do this, but I can’t exactly get mad after all the help and advice she’s given me leading up to today.
“Eden, it’s lovely to meet you.”
Eden immediately stands up straight and shoves out her hand. God, she’s sweet. Mom smiles and takes her hand, giving it a firm shake.
“How are you, Mrs. Bishop?”
“I’m very well, thank you, Eden. Sloane tells me we’ll be seeing a bit more of you from now on. Something to do with a 5k run?”
Eden blushes slightly. “Yeah, well. Your daughter is persuasive.”
Mom bursts out laughing. “She gets that from me.”
Clapping once, I take Mom by the shoulders and guide her back inside. “Bye, Mom!”
Mom is still laughing when I close the door on her. Eden grins. “She seems nice.”
