Chapter Three

Joy

It's been a few days since the accident, and I've been milking my doctor's note for all it's worth. No class, no work, just a lot of Netflix and snacks. At first, it felt great—like a mini vacation. But now? I'm bored out of my mind. I'm also running low on excuses to avoid real life. My bruises are fading, and the soreness is almost gone, so it's time to get back to work.

I sigh, staring at my phone. I work at the campus library, which is normally fine because I'd drive myself there, but since my car is completely trashed, I had to beg my co-worker, Katie, for a ride. She was cool about it, and agreed without hesitation. Or at least she was cool about it. Until now.

My phone buzzes, and I pick it up, already knowing it's bad news.

Katie: Hey girl, I'm so sorry but I can't pick you up today. Me and Jake are fighting again, and I just can't deal with work right now. I hope you figure something out!

It's followed by a heart emoji. Like that's supposed to soften the blow.

I groan and flop back onto my bed, staring at the ceiling. Of course, Katie would ditch me for her boyfriend drama. I don't even blame her, Jake's a jerk. But now I'm stuck without a ride and my shift starts in less than an hour.

I chew on my bottom lip, thinking it over. I'm only really left with one option at this point—calling Steven. He already had to get me from the hospital and I head to help me get my prescriptions for my concussion and the leftover pain from the accident. The last thing I want is to seem like I'm some helpless kid who can't function without him swooping in to save me.

But who else can I call? My dad's still out of town with Erica and I can't exactly bug him when they're on vacation. I let out a frustrated huff. I hate this. I hate feeling like I'm being a problem.

But I also hate being late to work more.

With a resigned sigh, I grab my phone again and scroll through my contacts until I find Steven's name. My thumb hovers over it for a second before I finally tap it, holding my breath as it rings. It picks up on the second ring.

"Hey Steven, uh, it's Joy," I say, cringing as I work myself up to my request.

"Hey," he says warmly. "What's up?"

"Um, my ride to work today cancelled on me last minute."

"Oh, do you need me to drive you?"

"I do," I confirm, an overwhelming wave of relief washing over me at not having to ask explicitly. "Is that okay?"

"I told you I was glad to do this," he says. "When do you need to be there?"

"My shift starts in an hour. It's on the campus." I wince at how soon that is. "I understand if you need some time."

"No, I can leave right now," he says, rustling on the other end. "I'll be there in twenty minutes."

"You're the best," I say as I hang up.

Once the line goes dead, I put my phone on the counter. I've been ready for work for the last twenty minutes, but now that I'm going to see Steven, I feel like I'm underdressed. So, I rush to my room and change out the slacks and sweater I was wearing for a long flowy dress and a cute cardigan. Then, with the few spare minutes I have before he arrives, I touch up my makeup, adding a little bit of eyeshadow and lip gloss to the simple look I did earlier. Usually, the only thing I do is fill in my brows and pop on a little mascara.

When I finish up, I head back into the kitchen just in time to hear my phone ding with a text message. I check and smile to myself. Steven is waiting outside and the message tells me to take as long as I need. But, since I'm ready, I grab my bag and head outside.

He's already leaning against the passenger side of his truck, arms crossed over his chest. He smiles at me when I walk out of the door and, after I lock the deadbolt, head toward.

"Hey," he greets as he pulls my door open. I give him a wide smile.

"Thank you," I say, blushing despite myself as I climb into the seat.

"Of course," he replies, closing the door softly. Then, he walks around the front of his vehicle and gets back into the driver's seat. "I hadn't heard from you in a few days and I was starting to think you didn't want my help."

"Well, I've been able to slag off of work for the last few days. But, also I'd prefer to do things by myself," I admit as he pulls out of the driveway. "I guess until my car's fixed that's not possible, though."

Steven glances over at me as he drives, a small smile tugging at his lips. "It's okay to need help sometimes, you know. Doesn't make you any less independent."

I roll my eyes playfully. "Yeah, yeah, I know. It's just...I don't want to be a burden."

"You're not," he says, his voice firm. "Besides, I don't mind. I like helping you out."

There's something about the way he says it that makes my stomach flip, and I have to look out the window to keep myself from overanalyzing. He's just being nice. That's all it is.

The rest of the drive is filled with easy conversation. Steven has this way of making everything feel relaxed, even when my brain is running a million miles a minute. We talk about random stuff—his work at the shop, my classes, the weather. Nothing too deep, but enough to keep my mind off the awkwardness I'm trying desperately to avoid.

As we pull into the campus parking lot, I feel a knot form in my stomach. Not because I don't want to go to work—I actually like my job—but because I know this ride is coming to an end. It's stupid, but part of me doesn't want to get out of the truck. Being around Steven feels safe. And comfortable. And something else I can't quite put my finger on.

"Well, here we are," he says, pulling into a spot near the library entrance. "You need me to pick you up later?"

I hesitate for a second, biting my lip. I don't want to inconvenience him again, but the thought of finding another ride is exhausting. "If you're not busy, that would be great."

"I'll be here," he says, smiling as he turns off the engine. "Text me when you're ready to leave."

"Thanks, Steven," I say, my heart fluttering again. I reach for the door handle, but before I can think twice about it, I lean over and kiss him on the cheek. It's quick, just a soft brush of my lips against his skin, but it feels like the world stops for a split second.

As soon as I realize what I've done, panic floods my system. Oh my God, what was I thinking? My cheeks burn and I can't even look at him.

"I—um—bye!" I stammer, bolting out of the truck and practically sprinting toward the library.

I don't stop running until I'm inside, leaning against the wall just past the entrance, my heart pounding in my chest.