Page 55 of Let's Get Textual

I shrug. “Guess we’ll see.”

“Will you take a bite already? I’m on pins and needles over here.”

Right, my sandwich—I’d forgotten I was holding it. I bring it to my mouth, self-conscious knowing Zach’s watching me, and take a bite, chips and all.

The texture is…strange, but not unpleasant.

I swallow and turn toward Zach. “I’ll hand it to you, it’s edible. The peanut butter and nacho cheese together make an interesting flavor.”

“See? I started out eating Doritos on the side, but it wasn’t long before I was putting themonmy sandwich. Now I can’t eat peanut butter without Doritos nearby.”

“Where did the idea to mix them come from?”

“You remember those crackers your parents would put in your lunch? Those cheese and peanut butter cracker things? That’s what sparked the idea. I loved them, so figured why not. Haven’t looked back since.” He winks. “Guess you’re not the only genius.”

“Genius, huh? I wouldn’t go that far for you.”

“Ouch.”

I stick my tongue out then take another bite.

“So, Delia…”

“Zach?”

“Can you believe we live so close to one another? It’s very…convenient.”

“You’re on the south side of town?”

“The very edge. About thirty minutes away with all the long-ass stop lights. Technically speaking, I live in another town, but I’m right there on the line between them.”

“Convenient, indeed.”

“Ladies and gentlemen, your attention please!” An older woman appears at the front of the crowd, her hands raised in the air, waving to get everyone’s attention. “There’s been a mix-up. Tonight’s movie is notTransformers.Instead, we’ll be showingThe Lego Movie.Enjoy!”

As soon as she’s clear of the screen, the film begins rolling.

“You okay with this flick?” Zach’s leaned in so close I can feel his breath on my cheek. If I were to turn my head, our lips would connect, and I’d melt into a puddle.

“Are you kidding me?” I grin. “This isawesome.”

“Everything is awesome.” He sings it, and I can’t help but laugh noisily. I’m shushed and given dirty looks by neighboring moviegoers, but I don’t care.

“Will you go on a second date with me?”

“We’re still in the middle of ourfirstdate, Zach. You can’t ask me that out of the blue.”

“I already did, and I refuse to take it back.”

“What if I don’t like you by the end of this date?” I volley back.

“You honestly think that’s possible?” His dimples poke through his smile, and I know right then I’m saying yes. “Say yes, Delia. Be wild. Do something crazy and fun.”

I didn’t play it safe with Caleb. We rushed into bed together, into an instant boyfriend-girlfriend thing. We didn’t date; wesettled. Our relationship was like a new toy at Christmas—fun for a moment, then all the spark and glam was gone and we sat around collecting dust. We didn’tburnfor each other, and I think that’s why it was so easy to fall apart.

Zach? He could be so much more, and I want to find out just how much.

“Yes, Zach.”

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