Page 49 of The Perfect Steal

As I waited for her message, I thought about the past several weeks. I’d gone from a kid who didn’t do any homework at all to having my grades at least in the B+ to A- range. And most of that had been inspired by Brynn, and the help of Ms. Riley, with the promise it would be easier to leave Pecan Flatts once we were done with high school.

I’d thought about asking Brynn to come skiing with us, but I hadn’t found the right moment to do so, and I wanted to ask her a lot more than that.

From all the little glances I’d seen from her over the past two weeks, I was sure she at least had a crush on me, even though I wished she’d say something about it. I’d gone and blurted out that I liked her, but I hadn’t found a way to get back to that topic again. I’d never asked a girl to be my girlfriend, but hopefully, after this week away, I’d figure out how to do that.

:) That looks like fun. I just got back from practice this morning, and my parents are arguing about the menu for Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday.

I’m sorry, Brynn. Skiing is the perfect way to get rid of frustration like that.I sent a winky face and waited.

Colt asked Hazel to come over for the Turkey Bowl or something. She’s nervous.

I laughed out loud, trying to picture Hazel with the rest of the Buttars family. Colt was the second oldest of four boys, and I could only imagine what would happen once she was brought into the game. Sterling, the oldest brother, had brought a girl over one time, and I think the rest of the family scared her off.

Tell her she should go, but be prepared for them to be outrageously crazy. It’s all a test.

I’d been put through something similar when Colt and I met in middle school and started hanging out.

My fingers hovered over the keyboard, ready to type out,I miss you.

Instead, I waited for her response.

Of course it is. She’ll be eaten alive. I just hope she doesn’t sing show tunes while she’s there.

Why not? Maybe it will give them some culture. :)

I laughed out loud, trying to think of Colt in a suit and tie, ready to go to a big musical or play. I’d had to go several times for functions since my father was the mayor, and because my mom wanted to make sure my life wasn’t just coding or sports. But Colt? Yeah, it was like constant action movies in his family. I wondered how his mom put up with it.

I’ve almost finished tweaking our meal plan. Should be good to go on Monday.

Wow. She was fast.Do you need me to help? I don’t want you to think I’m not pulling my weight.

Are you kidding? You made my life so much easier by finding the housing and car. Although a tiny house sounds crazy with the wind running through town right now. Would it blow over?

I couldn’t help but laugh. Nothing like coming up with fictional scenarios and wondering how they would play out.

“Let’s head up to the room, Nate,” my mom said, brushing the last few flakes of snow from her coat. “We need to get ready for dinner.”

I have to get in the shower and get ready for dinner. Chat later?

Of course. This is the most fun I’ve had in a while.

I may have been beaming all through dinner, trying to come up with funny little things to talk to her about.I just hoped that once our assignment was over, she would still want to talk to me.

32

Brynn

I was more than anxious for Nate to come back from skiing. We’d spent the week texting each other about everything, and I felt closer to him than I had to a lot of people over the past few years.That could’ve been on account of me having cried in front of him a few times.

It had taken several sheets to print out all the information we needed to turn in for the project, and part of me was sad we hadn’t had the chance to get together and cook for those few points of extra credit. Not that I needed them, just that it would be a good excuse to hang out.

But after all the texts, were we past the awkward point of just hanging out because we were partners on a project? Fourth period couldn’t come soon enough so I’d have a better idea.

I got to class early, waiting for him to come in, feeling the full effects of the serious crush I now had on Nate Everton. He was thoughtful and fun, more laid-back, and a lot stronger than he gave himself credit for. And the way he looked at me sometimes made my insides flutter. Yeah, I’m a nerd and I’m okay with that.

Minutes ticked by, and he didn’t come through the door, even after the bell rang. My heart beat in my ears, and I thought of all the things that could have gone wrong. He’d texted me yesterday, saying they would be heading to the airport soon and he wouldn’t have service for a while.

I’d expected a text in the middle of the night, but my screen was empty this morning when I woke up. Had they gotten into an accident? Had there been a plane crash?

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