Dream Catcher

Chapter 11

"Dani!" Billy called out.

Dani was walking from work to their apartment building. She forced herself to look in his direction and gave a slight smile before continuing on. Billy quickly caught up with her.

"Dani, what's wrong? Are you mad at me?"

Dani looked away, "Of course not. Why would I be mad at you? Did you need something?"

"Seriously, what gives?" Billy pushed his red glasses up the bridge of his nose. "I feel like you've been avoiding me since yesterday. Are you embarrassed because of what happened at the diner? I tried to help you but—"

Dani shook her head, "No."

"Then what is it?"

"Didn't you talk to Derek?"

"Derek?" Billy echoed. "What does he have to do with anything?"

Dani sighed, "This is kind of embarrassing for me. I know the truth Billy. Derek told me that you were only being nice to me because you felt sorry for me. I don't want to be a burden. It's okay. You don't have to pretend to be my friend. I totally understand."

"You do? Because I don't."

"Billy—"

"Is that what you think? That I'm pretending?"

Dani looked away again, "It's not like I have a lot of friends. I'm not exactly a social butterfly. What I mean is...well I don't want you to feel bad or anything for not talking to me or whatever. I'm used it. Now I really do sound like the loser Derek says I am."

"You don't sound like a loser. You sound like a crazy person."

"What?"

"Dani, why would you believe Derek?"

"Are you saying he was lying?"

"I wouldn't say lying so much as joking around. He has a horrible sense of humor so stop calling yourself a loser. Besides, I am your friend so what does that make me?"

"Billy—"

"Right. I'm just Billy. I don't know why Derek told you that but he likes to be the center of a person's world. Ignore him. He has no control over who I'm friends with and I am friends with you. Got it?"

Dani didn't respond so Billy nudged her with his elbow, "Got it?"

"I got it," Dani whispered, a smile on her face.

"I can't believe Derek though. He has no right to tell you that," Billy muttered. "I'll talk to him Dani. I promise."

"No, he'll just get upset. I don't want to be a reason the two of you argue."

"No, he needs to understand that he can't dictate who I hang out with just because we live together. You're my friend and I care about you. He's gone too far this time."

"I'm sorry. It was just me overreacting. I should've talked to you first before assuming you didn't really want to be my friend."

"Yes, you should have but it's not all your fault. Derek went overboard this time. Don't worry. I'll take care of it. Anyway, I was meaning to ask you. Have you been to the new bar in town? It's called Wine Time." Billy smiled, pushing up his red glasses again.

"No, I haven't really heard of it."

"Do you think you and I can meet there tonight? I have a surprise for you."

"A surprise?" Dani asked.

Billy nodded, "You can't tell anyone though. It's a secret. Just meet me there in an hour. Since we're friends, I'm going to show you how special you are to me."