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Except the text wasn’t from Simon or even Slade, but Thane. I wasn’t sure how I felt about seeing him tonight. Everything was jumbled in my head and heart, things having changed so much since the night we kissed.
Thane:I’m looking forward to tonight. It will be nice to meet your family.
Me:Yeah, I’m sure it will be awesomely awkward. You do realize my parents will be here? My dad and mother?
Thane:Yes, of course. Parents love me, you know. Just wait and see.
Me:It’s that part that worries me the most. I’m sure mothers do love you. Mine already does. I mean, what’s not to love? But we kind of just met… you know?
Thane:You’re right. But also, I’m only in town for today, and I really liked being with you the other night. I don’t want to sound like the biggest dick but if your head wound was your way of blowing me off, then just let me know now. I just wanted to see if what we had translates outside a bar.
Me: …
His text confused me, and I didn’t know what to say or how to respond to it. I hadn’t lied and even told him I didn’t remember until I saw him. Chewing my lip, I debated how to respond as I walked outside to where Noah was. When I didn’t reply back immediately, he started to send me more, amping up my anxiety.
Thane:I mean, it’s cool if it was. Just tell me, and I won’t come to dinner. I’m not trying to be a stalker.
Thane: That’s a joke, by the way.
Thane:Cherry, I’m not a stalker, I promise. Though I bet that’s what stalkers say.
Thane: I can get you some character references if you need them. I was looking forward to meeting your family, but perhaps I jumped the gun and overestimated my charm. I’ll leave you alone.
Me:Whoa, slow your roll. I was just thinking. Plus, I just got outside.
Me:Did I mention my dad is the police chief?
Thane: On second thought…
Thane: Kidding, I think that’s awesome. I can’t wait to wow them and Noah.
Thane:Honestly, I can’t wait, Cherry.
Me:Awesome. I guess I’ll see you later then.
Thane: Should I arrive naked, or is that later? That might be awkward at the dinner table, so definitely for later. Okay, good, got that cleared up. And my parole officer said I couldn’t make friends.
Thane:Kidding.
Me:Why did I talk to you again? Your jokes are horrible.
Thane:I charmed you with my good looks first
Me:Oh yeah, you’re right. You’re just a pretty face. Now that I realize that, I’m good.
Thane:You’re funny, Cherry, but I’m not letting you go that easily. I’ll show you how irresistible I can be. I’ll see you later. You already invited me, so no take backs, that would be rude not to keep it.
Me:Using my southern roots against me, I see. Talk to you later.
I pocketed my phone, an odd feeling in my chest. This would either be the best dinner or the worst.
* * *
Noahand I were drawing outside with sidewalk chalk. We’d been working on a mural of the yellow brick road with Dorothy, Lion, Scarecrow, and Tin Man. He was working on the lion while I finished up the scarecrow. This was one of our favorite things to do together. We both enjoyed art and had started making chalk drawings when he was a baby. They’ve improved in their clarity over the years.
“You’re doing it again,” he muttered.
Sticking my tongue out, I ignored him and kept on humming. Noah hated when I sang songs. He gave me a complex on that end of things, but it was a habit I couldn’t break. If I wasn’t singing, I was humming, always a song in my head and heart.
