Chapter 8
Saturday came faster than I expected. Time had been moving strangely ever since we got back from Yosemite — slow in the mornings, fast in the afternoons, and somehow too quick whenever Finn crossed my mind.
It was already 1 p.m. when I finally sat down at the kitchen table, glasses on, laptop open, notebook and pencils scattered beside me. I started working through some class assignments, trying to get ahead before the week started.
At some point, I opened Facebook. I missed a few updates — nothing important — until I came across photos of Chase and Evelyn. I’d unblocked them temporarily, mostly out of curiosity, but I knew it wouldn’t take long before I blocked them again.
They were partying, acting stupid, posting pictures that screamed immaturity. I stared at them for a moment, then shook my head.
Why do I still have feelings for him? He’s not worth a single breath. He’d cheat, manipulate, and repeat the same cycle. Evelyn can have him.
I scrolled past their posts and focused on the ones that mattered — photos from my friends, the guys, and snapshots from our trip. It made me smile.
I uploaded my own post, adding the pictures I’d taken.
“I had a good time at Yosemite National Park with my friends these past couple of days. It was beautiful out there.”
Then I closed Facebook and texted the group chat.
Me: What are you guys up to?
While waiting for replies, I checked my messages — and saw one from Finn.
Finn: Hey, I hope you slept well. Don’t forget about today at 5! I’ll pick you up from your house.
My stomach fluttered.
Me: I haven’t forgotten. I’m excited. I’ll text you my address, so you have it.
I sent it, then added:
Me: Can’t wait to see you. What have you been up to?
He replied quickly.
Finn: Not much. Playing with my little sister and catching up on class assignments. You?
Me: Aww, how cute! How old is she? And same — I’m working on assignments too.
Finn: She’s ten. I’ll have to introduce you to my family one day so they can meet you and vice versa.
My heart warmed.
Me: I’d love to meet them. How many siblings do you have?
Finn: Two — a younger sister and an older brother. You?
Me: One older sister and two older brothers.
Finn: That’s cool. I’d like to meet them.
Me: Definitely. They’re curious about you… I may have told them about you and our trip.
Finn: You have? I feel special now lol.
Me: To me you are. Worth mentioning.
Finn: That means a lot to me.
Then he asked:
Finn: Have you talked to Chase or Evelyn yet? Just curious.
I told him the truth.
Me: No, not yet. I don’t know if I ever will. He’s just a buzzkill.
Finn: That’s fair. If you ever need help or advice, let me know. I’m here for you.
I smiled at the screen.
Me: Thanks. That makes me feel better.
Finn: And you’ve got your friends too.
Me: That’s true.
I checked the group chat again. Angela responded.
Angela: I’m with Jacob right now — we’re officially dating.
Me: I’m happy for you two! I wish you both the best.
Angela: Thank you. I hope this lasts a long time.
Me: I’m sure it will. Be happy about it.
Angela: I am, don’t worry.
Then she asked:
Angela: What about you?
Me: Working on assignments. And… I’m going on a date with Finn later today.
Angela: Ooooh! Do you know where you’re going?
Me: No, he wants it to be a surprise.
Angela: A man with a plan.
Me: Yes — and it’s refreshing.
Angela: I’m glad to see you happy again.
Me: I am. I want things to work out between us.
Angela: It will. Give it a chance.
Me: I’m just worried it’ll turn into another Chase situation.
Angela: Lola, don’t worry so much. Finn is nothing like him. He’s the opposite.
She was right. I knew she was right.
I closed the chat and went back to my assignments.
By 4:15 p.m., I was nearly done with everything due next week. I organized my papers, stacked them neatly, and placed a sticky note on top:
“Don’t touch it please — Lola.”
Then I headed to the shower.
Twenty minutes later, it was 4:35. Plenty of time to dry my hair, style it, and put on a little makeup. I picked out a cute outfit, slipped into my combat boots — casual but still cute — and checked the time.
Almost 5.
My phone rang.
“Where are you?” I answered.
“I’m out front,” Finn said. “And I have something for you.”
“Oh — okay. I’ll come out right now. See you in a moment.”
“See you.”
I grabbed my phone, house key, and wallet, then stepped outside.
Finn stood a few feet from the door, holding a bouquet of flowers.
“I hope you like them,” he said.
My cheeks warmed instantly. “These are beautiful. Thank you, Finn. This is so sweet.”
“I was worried you wouldn’t like them.”
“I love them.”
He smiled. “Ready to go?”
“I’m ready if you are.”
He opened the car door for me — gentle, thoughtful — and once I was inside, he shut it softly before getting in on his side.
And just like that, we drove off into the evening for our first real date.