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“Morgan didn’t say anything. It’s written all over your face. Well, both of your faces.” Jocelyn laughs. “I have to admit, I was the slightest bit jealous to see my first crush finally smitten with someone, but you two are adorable.”
I point to myself like an idiot. “I was your first crush?”
Jocelyn laughs even harder this time, throwing her head back as she does. “You didn’t realize that? You were my gay awakening way before I even wanted to admit I was gay.” Jocelyn stops laughing and looks at me with a straight face. “Don’t worry. I don’t have a crush anymore. That was a long time ago before I knew you really well.”
I bring my hand to my chest as if I’m offended. “Ouch.”
Jocelyn shakes her head. “That’s not what I meant. I just mean we’ve gotten a lot closer since then.”
“Still not making it any better.”
“Fine. Whatever. Just as long as you don’t think I’m over here pining for you.”
“Understood. So, who is this older girl you’re pining for?” Please say Jazmin. Please say Jazmin.
“It’s actually your friend Jazmin. We talked a lot at the New Year’s Eve party and started talking after basketball games and stuff. Then, at the party at your house after you guys won districts, she gave me her number.”
Way to go, Jazmin. I smile over at Jocelyn. “I have some good news for you.”
***
When I get to work, I check the schedule then text Payton. I’m sad we don’t work together tonight :(
I’m happy when I get an immediate response. I know! I work tomorrow morning.
I see that. I’m looking at the schedule right now. I only hesitate for a moment before sending another text. Since we’re both off tomorrow night, do you want to hang out?
That sounds great. Did you have anything in mind?
Anything with you sounds great. At least I know how to be smooth over texts.
There’s actually an indoor mini golf course that just opened about fifteen minutes from my house. The only problem is it’s about a half hour from you. Is that okay?
It’s perfect. I love mini golf. I can pick you up on the way.
We send texts back and forth the whole time I work, talking about everything except the one question I want to ask—is this a date?
***
I take a deep breath when I pull up to the house at the address Payton gave me. It’s a cute townhouse with a black door and shutters. With a lot of friends, I just text them when I arrive, but I’m not going to do that with Payton. I have no reason to believe this is a date, but just in case it turns out it is, I’m going to do it right. I get out of the car and pause for just a moment before knocking on the front door.
A woman who looks like an older version of Payton opens the door. Her already wide grin gets even bigger when she sees me. “You must be Marjorie. I’ve heard so much about you.”
“Thanks, Mom. Bye.” Payton hurries past her mom and pushes me out the door. “If she gets talking, we’ll never leave,” she whispers.
As I continue to get pushed further away, I wave my hand at Payton’s mom. “It was so nice to meet you, ma’am. I hope we have more time to talk later.”
Payton’s mom says something I can’t make out as Payton literally drags me to my car. Once we’re inside, I laugh. “Your mom seems nice. You know, from what I could gather in five seconds.”
“She’s very nice. She’s also extremely talkative and loves to embarrass me. We were probably just a few more seconds away from her inviting you inside to see my baby pictures.”
“In that case…” I pretend I’m reaching down to take my seatbelt back off, but Payton grabs my hand to stop me.
I instantly forget everything I was about to do because Payton’s hand is on mine. Her skin is touching my skin. My heart is racing. My palms are sweaty. I’m a mess in the best way possible.
Payton quickly pulls her hand away as if she’s been burnt. “Sorry.” She stares straight ahead and I wonder what went wrong. Was I super obvious how that touch affected me? “We should get to the golf place before it gets too crazy.”
Unfortunately, with the golf course being new, getting there before it was busy wasn’t a possibility. It’s already packed when we get inside. The worker takes our name then tells us they’ll call when it’s our turn. She directs us down the hall to where there’s a concession stand, tables, and a few TVs.
