“Iris, let me take you out. One date. Show you how serious I am about you.” She looks down at her coffee cup, long enough that I think she might actually reject me again.
But then, she meets my eyes with a nod. “Okay. One date.”
“Yes!” I exclaim, pumping my fists into the air.
My chest expands with a joy so pure I’d almost be scared of moving too fast if I cared about things like that. All I know is, I haven’t felt this good since we won the state championship a few years back, and I’m gonna hold onto it.
I don’t miss the way the corners of her mouth lift as she fights a smile.
But, a total buzz kill, I hear footsteps in the hallway and the bell ringing overhead. “Alright. I’d better go before your students find out you’re dating the coach.”
She rolls her eyes, “One date. We’re not dating,” I grin back at her, technicalities ain’t gonna dampen my spirit.
I’m working my way up to arguing that when I hear a squeal from behind me.
I turn around to find the pink-haired girl Iris was talking to at homecoming, looking at us with stars in her eyes. “OMG, Ms. Patel, are you and Coach Wesley dating?”
“No! Of course not!” Iris responds, clearly flustered.
I don’t say anything, but I give the student a wink as I’m leaving the room, prompting another squeal from her and a groan from Iris.
I’m smiling the whole way to the gym.
Hell, I’m smiling all damn day.
Iris
What have I done?
That’s the only thing running through my head as I cross the high school parking lot, my heels clicking on the pavement, the afternoon sun turning the autumn air warm.
I’m meeting Nate, and we’re going to walk to wherever he’s taking me.
He seemed so excited, like this really means something to him.
But that’s the problem, isn’t it?
It means something to me, too. I hate how much I want this. How much I want him to want this.
My stomach twists as I approach the edge of the parking lot. I don’t know where we’re going, and that makes it worse. Did I wear the right thing? Is he going to think I look pretty?
Do I want him to?
I told myself it wasn’t a big deal. That I’d go and let the awkward silence do the rest. After today, he’ll see that he can do better.
I didn’t want to hurt him again.
That’s the only reason I’m here.
He’s leaning against his truck when I spot him in jeans and a simple white t-shirt that hugs his arms perfectly. I have toforce myself to remember how to walk.
He straightens when he sees me, a big, boyish grin stretching across his face, and instantly, I’m smiling too.
“Hey,” he calls out, warm and easy, like this is any other afternoon, and not my first date ever.
“Hey,” I echo, smoothing my hands over my skirt. I stop in front of him, very aware that up close, I’m almost as tall as him.
I shouldn’t have worn heels, I think to myself, but shove it down before it turns into something bigger.
