“Did you…have a crush on me?”
I lean back, falling into those golden brown eyes once more, and nod.
“That’s a wrap! You guys were terrific. These are going to look amazing. Let me help you down from that rock.”
My heart sinks.
I don't want this to end.
CHAPTER 09: PETER
I can’t hear the running water or the sound of birdsong anymore. All I can hear is my heart thumping like a metronome as we walk back to the studio.
I’m lost. My entire body rebelled when Sadie said this was over.
The pressure in my eyes grows with each step we take away from that lovely creek. Dread envelops me, knowing that this beautiful moment is over.
I’d love to ask Dylan for a drink or a coffee sometime, but it seems wildly inappropriate.
Sure, he had a crush on me in college. That’s not so unusual, I imagine. I’m…an elder. I possess knowledge. It’s natural for a person who’s young and impressionable to feel an attraction to someone who’s like a mentor.
That doesn’t mean he feels that way now.
Though his hand and his eyes told me otherwise.
Sadie shakes both our hands and assures us she’ll send digital copies of the photos once they’re ready. Dylan and I walk back to our cars.
Silence descends. I haven’t a clue what to say.
We reach his car, and Dylan turns. “It was really great seeing you again, Peter.”
It sounds nice when he says "Peter" instead of "Professor Duncan".
“It was an absolute pleasure.”
Silence again. He doesn’t get into his car, and I don’t walk away. My mind tells me to, but my feet are glued to the spot.
Dylan looks down, brushing his foot over some pebbles, and I rub the back of my neck.
“Well—”
“I should get to my shift.”
“Yeah,” I say in a defeated tone.
I turn to leave, but then something takes over me. I can’t walk away from this moment without giving it a try. He may say, “No,” and that’s okay, but I’m not going to leave knowing I didn’t take the chance.
“Dylan?”
He whips around, eyes wide. “Yeah?”
“W-would…would you like—”“Yes!” He slaps a hand over his mouth. His eyes are smiling, and his cheeks turn red. He slowly lowers his hand and asks, “Please tell me you were going to ask me out.”
All at once, the nerves and awkwardness I felt rush out of me, and a big belly laugh escapes my mouth. “Yes. Yes, I was.”
Dylan sighs in relief. “Phew! I was going to feel really dumb.”
A dark curl falls forward once more, and he tosses his head. It falls again.
