Page 44 of Good Directions

11

SAWYER

The second stair from the bottom lets out a long, achy creak that seems loud enough that I’m pretty sure it can be heard in the center of Hickory Hills. To make matters worse, my phone dings almost immediately after, as if in response, basically sending up a flare that Sawyer is trying to leave the house.

So much for sneaking out unnoticed.

Eliza

Have fun on your date!

Not a date

But I’m still nervous

Totally a date. Especially if you’re nervous

Thanks, Eliza. That’s exactly the kind of support I need right now.

It’s bad enough that my stomach has been in knots all day. That I looked up every time the lab door opened wondering—hoping?—if it was going to be Anton walking in. And then, when he did, I froze. Like a thirteen-year-old girl staring at the cute quarterback as he strides down the hallway, my mind flashing with thoughts of him sweaty and tugging on that rope.

This is not who I am.

Except, it is when it comes to Anton Hayes.

“You look cute.”

I stop, turning toward the sweet voice offering up the sincere compliment. Miss Belle smiles, looking up from whatever it is she’s reading, shifting on her stool at the long kitchen counter. My insides ease, my nerves dissipating slightly thanks to her warmth, even if my brain is still a little scattered on how to handle all this with her.

Every part of me wants to confide in her. Tell her what I’m feeling and build on the connection we found that first day at Dolly’s. A desire that I’m pretty sure is mutual, since she and Auggie continue to ask me questions, involve me in things, and in general take an interest in how my day goes. Right about now, I could use someone who has an interest in offering up some real advice.

But she’s also Anton’s mom.

And there are some things you simply don’t say to someone’s mama.

“Thanks.” I look down at my tee, jean skirt, and sneakers, still wondering if I look a little too casual. Anton hasn’t given me any kind of hint about what we’re doing, so I’m going in blind and hoping for the best. “I’m hoping this is okay?”

Miss Belle’s smile widens as she pushes up, walking over to me. Her hands immediately start playing with my hair, moving faster than I realized possible.

“There.” She winks conspiratorially.

“Hello?” Anton calls out.

“Here goes…” I whisper, turning to go.

“Sawyer,” she says, and I stop, turning back to her, “order the most expensive thing on the menu, and give him hell.”

I nod, unable to hold back a laugh. I really like this woman.

Rounding the corner, I head for the door, stopping short as I’m cut off by Auggie. Uh-oh.

“What are you doing here?” Auggie asks, confusion laced into his features.

“I’m here to pick Sawyer up for our date,” Anton replies.

“What?” Auggie exclaims, looking over to me then back again. “No, this isn’t how you do it.”

Walking over to the door, he opens it back up again, gesturing for Anton to walk back outside.