Total pages in book: 121
Estimated words: 116759 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 584(@200wpm)___ 467(@250wpm)___ 389(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 116759 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 584(@200wpm)___ 467(@250wpm)___ 389(@300wpm)
I’d decided to follow my mum and Aunt Jo’s advice and just go with it. Which was why I had decided to not only meet him today at Teviot but also to bring my date to Whistlebinkies tomorrow night.
Sierra was waiting with Jan at the recording studio when I hurried inside. Kenny gave me a wave as I darted into the recording booth.
“Where’s Aiysha?” I practically fell into the seat.
“Class.” Jan narrowed her eyes. “You’re late.”
“I had a seminar way across campus. Your face is late.”
“What does that even mean?”
I shrugged, smiling at my immaturity.
“You’re in a good mood. Is this about the date?”
“No, shut up.” Sierra waved a hand at us. “Wait for us to start recording.”
A few hours later, the podcast session was done, and I’d told Sierra we all needed to meet to figure out a fixed schedule that would allow the three of us more time for our dissertations and coursework. Thankfully, my friend agreed that the podcast was going to have to take a back seat, as much as it pained us. It meant a lot to me, and I didn’t make the decision lightly.
Jan, however, seemed all too happy at the prospect of taking it over early. Her episodes so far had been a revelation. She was crazy and hilarious, but she’d surprised me by being sensitive when she needed to. I guess it was just me she didn’t feel the need to be sensitive with.
I strode toward Teviot feeling a lot less stressed than I had this morning. I’d spent an hour in the library scheduling my first interview for my dissertation. I’d reached out to a few social media influencers of different genders, some I knew who’d already spoken out about their trials on social media, some who hadn’t but who had varying degrees of followers. Yes, I wanted to interview people who had a ton of followers, but I was just as interested in chatting with people with smaller followings who seemed to dedicate a lot of time to their platforms.
So far only two people hadn’t gotten back to me, but the interviews were scheduled, and I’d gotten a positive response from a university who had conducted a huge research project for the UK government on the correlation between the mental health crisis in the country and social media. I was feeling a lot more organized and on top of things.
I spotted Sebastian as soon as I walked into the Library Bar. He was sitting at a table by himself, but a girl stood by his chair, her hand on the back of it. Everything about her body language screamed flirt. Sebastian grinned up at her and whatever he said made her laugh, her body bowing closer to his.
Ignoring the spike of white-hot jealousy, I reminded myself he and I were just friends. And that he was the world’s biggest flirt. I had to get used to seeing him with other women.
Feeling awkward about approaching, I hovered for a minute, wondering what to do.
Then I heard Jan’s voice in my head telling me that Sebastian asked me to lunch, and I should pull up my big-girl knickers and walk over there!
Adjusting my backpack, I tried to infuse casual into my stride. I wasn’t sure I was successful, but I was pleased my smile felt natural as I stopped at the table.
Sebastian looked at me before I could even say hi. He grinned broadly. “You came.”
My attention flicked to the girl who stared at me with undisguised distaste. I gave her a small smile because I was incapable of being rude unless absolutely provoked. Then I turned to Sebastian. “You thought I wouldn’t?”
“I don’t know. You’re still an enigma.” He motioned to the pretty blond. “This is …”
She frowned. “Hermione.”
“Parents big Harry Potter fans?” I asked.
Hermione curled her lip. “What do you think?”
Sebastian’s brows pinched together. “Well, Hermione, my friend is here, so …”
“Are you two …” She gestured between us.
I opened my mouth to say no, but Sebastian cut me off. “About to have lunch? Just the two of us? Yes. Thanks so much. Nice to meet you, though.”
She grimaced and strode off without saying goodbye.
“Sorry.”
“Lily, please sit. And no need to apologize.” Sebastian shook his head. “Why are some women like that? She was nice until you appeared.”
Chuckling, I sat down at the table, dumping my backpack at my feet. “I’d like to think most of our generation has evolved past catty competitiveness, but it still exists.” I snorted. “How the heck do you forget the name Hermione?”
Sebastian laughed, abashed. “She came up to me and introduced herself so quickly. Said she followed me on socials and always wanted to meet me. Didn’t know I was so famous,” he muttered.
“My sister googled you.” I winced in apology. “She told me you have quite a few followers.”