Page 14 of Love and Other Chances

JASON

Yeah, I’ll plan on it.

The rest of the group sends regrets and reasons they can’t go, which is fine. We’ll have the perfect number of people to carpool and have a good time socializing.

Chapter six

By the time Saturday morning rolls around, our perfectly-sized carpool has dwindled down to two. Sarah has a sinus infection, and Jason’s brother came to town unexpectedly. Will’s company spent six hours fighting off hackers overnight Friday, so he’s not up for another late night.

I’m sulking on the couch about my exciting plans going down the drain when my phone dings with an individual text from Brooks.

BROOKS

I’m still game to go tonight if you are. I could honestly use a fun break from adulting for a night

Staring at his text, I weigh my options. If I stay home, I can avoid all of the memories and confusion that would inevitably come from being alone with Brooks. But I’ve been looking forward to this all week. Amaya wasn’t wrong when she said this was right up my alley—this event wasmadefor me. Not to mention, I’d get a mini break from Brooklyn and get to see my mom.

I chew my lip.Is avoiding Brooks worth giving all that up?

Same—let’s do it!

BROOKS

Amazing. I’ll pick you up around 4:30?

Sounds good!

This is fine. This is going to be loads of fun. Sitting in the car alone with Brooks for three hours will be the perfect opportunity to prove that all the water is under the bridge.

The part of my brain that doses out adrenaline doesn’t listen to my calming self-talk, though. I’m jittery all day. I have no choice but to channel all that restless energy into combing through my closet for the perfect outfit.

I settle on a jean skirt and a white tank top to maximize the effect of the black lights I assume will be there. After showering, I spend more time on my hair and makeup than usual. But not because I’m going to be with Brooks. Only because I need something to do with all this nervous energy.

At 4:35 p.m., Brooks’ car pulls up in front of my duplex. I’ve been watching out the front window for him, but I stop myself from opening the door to walk out and meet him.You can’t look like you’ve been standing here waiting for him! Show some chill, Teegan!

I scamper down the hallway out of sight from the windows before he can see me.Will he text me that he’s here, or will he come up and ring the—

My thought is cut off by the sound of the doorbell. I give myself an extra three seconds in the hallway to take a deep breath before walking out to answer the door.

“Brooks! Hey! Thanks so much for picking me up! And for still being willing to go,” I say with a bright smile. My eyes race to drink in his appearance in split seconds. Perfectly styled hair. Blue eyes twinkling at me. Looking like my twin in jeans and a white t-shirt.

“Of course—I wouldn’t miss it. Even if you hadn’t wanted to go, I might have still driven up by myself,” he responds with an equally bright smile. “I’ve always wanted to go to a silent disco. It’s gonna be a blast.”

I punch the code to lock my front door and pocket my phone. Brooks leads the way to his car and opens the passenger door for me. Just like he used to.

“Oh, thanks,” I tell him as I slide into the seat. My heart picks up speed.He’s allowed to be a gentleman without it meaning this is a date, Teegan. Stop making a big deal of things.

Once settled in the driver’s seat, Brooks reaches behind him to grab a grocery bag. “It’s possible that your tastes have matured more than mine,” he says, grin teasing. “But if not, help yourself to some car snacks.”

Setting the bag on his lap, he pulls out a giant package of Sour Patch Kids and a can of Pringles. Panic prickles my skin, making the hairs on my arms rise.

He’s allowed to remember your favorite snacks. It’s not like you’ve forgotten how much he loved Reese’s Pieces.Which is the next bag he pulls out of the grocery sack.

I shake off the panic with a laugh. “I definitely haven’t matured that much,” I say, accepting the Sour Patch Kids from him. I rip open the bag and pop a couple in my mouth, saving myself from having to say anything else for a moment.

Brooks props the Reese’s Pieces bag on the seat next to him before starting the car. We pull away from my duplex and begin the drive away from Brooklyn.

“How was teaching this week?” I ask, desperate to get him talking. I need time to calm my fluttery heart. Also, my desire to learn more about teaching is craving a fix.

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