Page 47 of Pushing Daisy

Sloan

Less than twenty-four hours after leaving Daisy on the sidewalk out front of The Dandelion, and Sloan already feels incomplete. Her chest is hollow, as if she is missing her heart. Her essence. No, her fucking life force.

How in the world did Sloan end up so attached to a woman who infuriates her? Let alone, how did it happen over the course of a weekend? And now she’s supposed to continue working with her as if nothing is different between them. As if kissing Daisy wasn’t the single most beautiful thing to happen to her. As if their brief connection wasn’t enough to completely change her entire being.

Hecate knows Daisy is a challenge. She’s got baggage and shit she definitely needs to work through. But she’s also soft and warm. She’s comfort in the darkness and a beacon for home. A siren that calls to her.

Sloan paces her living room, trying her best to ignore the siren’s call. She told Daisy she’d text her to work out details but reaching out now, less than a full day later, feels too soon. Her brain keeps telling her that she needs to wait three days, as if it was some stupid dating rule, but her heart… Her heart is thumping wildly in her chest, excited at the prospect of seeing Daisy again. Of feeling her.

Stopping beside the couch, she picks up her phone, opens the previous chat with Daisy, and types out a message.

Hi Daisy. It’s Sloan. How are you doing?

Really? She knows who you are.

Delete.

She tries again.

Hey. What’s up?

What are you, twelve?

Delete. Again.

Sloan

Hi.

She pushes send before she has a chance to overthink anymore. She stares at the message, immediately regretting it. Just a single “hi.” Goddess, she’s an idiot.

Three little dots appear at the bottom. Waiting for the message to come through is agony, and as she’s about to start pacing again, it does.

Daisy

New number. Who dis?

Sloan’s insides practically bounce with joy, making her feel elated and lightheaded. She moves to the couch and sits, folding her legs underneath her.

Sloan

I was wondering if I could talk to you about your car’s extended warranty.

Unfortunately, I drove it into the lake last week.

Do you think that will be covered?

Hmm. Was it by accident or on purpose?

100% by accident

Then, it will indeed be covered.

I’ll need all your identifying information and a credit card so I can steal all your money.

Not a problem.

How are you doing?