**DAN'S POV**
I couldn't help looking over at Val's corner. She seemed like she was really working herself up.
I didn't want to disturb her, so I let her be until work hours were over.
I got to the company's parking lot and waited for her so I could give her a ride home.
"How are you feeling?"
I was concerned.
She said nothing, just took her drugs. I handed her a bottle of water.
"Thanks," she said. She swallowed the pills and took another drink from the bottle.
I looked at her, then back at the road as I drove. I found it hard to concentrate.
"If you're really not feeling strong, maybe you should stay home until you're completely healed."
"I'm fine, Dan. It's just a brief pain from earlier," she replied.
"From earlier? What did you do?"
"Boss... remember?"
"Oh, I saw it. I'm really sorry. That jerk," I snapped, clenching the steering wheel.
I really wanted to punch him-spoiled brat.
"Let's just forget about it," she sighed, putting her hand over her forehead.
"When is the fashion show?" she asked after a few moments of silence.
"I don't know. We haven't finalized our proposed plan," I replied.
"You're really working hard for this show," she said with a faint smile.
I chuckled and smirked at the compliment.
"Well, I have no choice. It's our first chance to prove we can make it into the iconic sliver crown Fashion Team."
My phone rang.
She picked it up from my side.
"It's... Mosquito... calling?," she said, squinting her eyes to make sure she'd read it correctly, surprised by the caller's name.
"Oh, it's my babe. We had a fight, so I renamed her Mosquito. She's like a pest, especially at night."
"That's bad! What if she sees it? Dan, you're failing my hand-that's not romantic at all."
I smiled at her.
"Calm down. She started it first by saving my name as Premature Cockroach."
Val burst out laughing.
"I guess you must be childish and dirty. Cockroaches are dirty and go anywhere food scraps are."
"Really? You're taking her side now? You know I'm very clean-she's just being bitter."
She nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, I won't deny that you're clean, but what about the immature part?"
"I'm 34! I'm older than everyone at the company, including your arrogant, disrespectful boss!"
"Our boss," she corrected.
I rolled my eyes.
"Well, age is just a number, they say. You're still my Dan Dan, sweet Dan."
She started tickling my side.
"We're going to die if you keep doing that-I'll lose control!"
She chuckled and let go of me.
My phone rang again.
"I should answer her."
"Yeah, you better, or you're dead," she replied, laughing.
I parked by the roadside and answered the call.
"Hello, Mosquito..."
"You... little immature cockroach. Where's the necklace?"
"Which necklace?" I asked, pretending not to know.
"The gold necklace with my initials engraved! I told you to get it before I'd accept your apology," she barked angrily.
"Oh, that necklace I bought with my cockroach money? I gave it to my cockroach sister, Val."
Val slapped my shoulder, holding back her laughter.
"You mean your new girlfriend? Are you dating her now?"
"Someone is jealous,I like that," I replied, winking at Val.
"Baby, look, you have to tell me... see, I have..."
I interrupted her.
"Wait, now I'm 'baby'? And no more 'cockroach'?" I asked, surprised.
"You're my baby boo."
"I'm your baby boo now?"
"Yes, who else?"
Val gave me a high-five, dying of laughter.
"Oh... alright. I thought it was over."
"Never! I'm stuck with you," she said, her tone softer.
"Alright, sweet. The necklace is in the drawer next to our bed."
She screamed loudly with joy.
"Baby, I found it! It's stunning-you got the perfect one I wanted."
"Yeah, now you're happy. I hope you see what you would have missed before. Do you still want to break up?"
She laughed.
"You know what, baby? I won't say anything. Come back first, and I'll give you a treat tonight. I'll ride you to the moon and back. Love you!"
She kissed the phone and hung up.
I put my phone down and sighed.
"That's so sweet-I'm going to cry," Val said, fanning her face dramatically.
"Please don't," I replied, laughing.
We laughed together, but I could sense she was getting emotional.
She was the one who taught me to be the best friend to my girlfriend.
Her love for Luke was everything anyone could wish for. Mine was nothing compared to that.
She doesn't know this but,I never wanted us to be just friends.
"Are you thinking about him?" I asked after she went silent.
"I can't stop. He's still a part of my memories, you know? Bad ones and good ones too. It's hard not to think of him."
She sobbed but smiled quickly.
"But I am okay".
I wished I could hug her.
Not just the usual friendly hug, but one that lasted longer-one where I could whisper that I'd always be there for her.
Maybe I'd lift her chin and kiss her lips, find out if she could...
I better stop thinking or I will manifest those thoughts and end our platonic relationship.