Page 32 of Quarterback Sneak
“They’ll be fine.” She waves her hand.
“I can help you get ready, if you want,” Tessa offers. That's huge coming from her because she knows the date is right in the middle of the football game.
“Thank y—”
“I’ll help her,” Sam interjects. “I’ve got just the hairstyle in store for her that will go with the outfit of mine she’s wearing.”
I meet Tessa’s eyes for just a moment. She smiles at me and goes back to eating, but I feel bad. The food I’ve already eaten settles like a rock in my stomach. I open my mouth to say something, but Sam beats me to it. “But you can come over, Tessa, if you want to watch.”
Tessa doesn’t lift her head, and I regret sitting here. It’s Tessa’s birthday, and she’s barely had a chance to even talk. She takes another bite and then wraps up her tacos before lookingup at me. “I’m going to get going. I’ve got a long walk to my next class. Thanks so much for lunch; it was really good.”
I start to pack up my food too. “I’ll walk with you.”
“No, your class is in the opposite direction. I'll catch you later.” She’s gone before I can even get up from the table. I watch her go as a sick feeling forms in my stomach.
“Evie, don’t forget to clean the fridge in the storage room during your shift tonight.” I nod at Sam’s words, not really paying attention. I watch Tessa get lost in the crowd and sigh. I feel like I blew lunch; we should have never sat here.
“Hey.” Jace puts his hand on my thigh, startling me. “You okay?”
“Yeah.” I pack up my leftover food quickly and turn away from him under the guise of grabbing my bag. His hand falls from my leg, and I stand to my feet. “Sam, I’ll see you at the shop tonight. Jace, I’ll see you tomorrow for our date.” The words are forced from my mouth. That sick feeling grows as I walk away from them to my next class. I’m beginning to dread tomorrow night. I really hope I don’t regret it.
Chapter 15
Evie
I pace in my room, making Sam shoot another annoyed look at me. I would stop pacing, but that seems impossible at the moment. My stomach hurts, and I feel like I’m going to throw up. This tight dress doesn’t help. There’s no way I’m going to be able to eat more than salad tonight and be able to breathe on the way home. “Was this dress this tight when I tried it on?”
Sam shoots me an exasperated look. “No, I shrunk it just for you.” I ignore her sarcasm and go back to pacing. “You need to chill; you’re going to pass out from anxiety.” She eyes me a moment. “Youhavegone on a date before, right?”
“Not exactly.”
She stares at me before groaning. “How have you not been on a date before? You’re in college.”
“Homeschooled, remember? Dates weren’t readily available in my class of one.” I try to keep the snark out of my voice, but I’m pretty sure I fail.
“Okay. When you get there, let him pull your seat out for you. Put your napkin in your lap, and be sure to use the outer fork first and work your way towards the plate. Don’t clink your silverware on your plate and take small bites.”
“I wasn’t raised in a barn, Sam. I may not have gone on a date before, but I know how to act in public.”
She shrugs. “Well, some people don’t.”
Thankfully, my phone dings. I pick it up and check it. “Jace is here.” I take a deep breath. “Thanks for all your help.”
“You’re welcome, now go have fun.”
I check one last time to make sure I have my wallet and phone and then head out. I tug on my dress as I walk because it keeps rising every few steps. I’m already regretting this outfit before I even get outside. I take a deep breath and step outside. When my eyes land on Jace and take in his similar black leather jacket, I release a breath. The pressure building inside my chest seems to ease, and I start towards him. He’s leaning against a bright blue car, but I barely notice. I watch as his eyes run over me, lingering on my legs. “Did Sam dress you?” he asks.
I pause, feeling uncertain. “Yes.”
He grins. “I like it. Come on.” He takes my hand and tugs me towards him. He wraps an arm around me and pulls me close. When his lips meet mine, I tense; but it’s over before I even really experienced it. I swallow my disappointment over my first kiss; it certainly wasn’t anything to write home about. I push those thoughts aside; it was just a quick kiss. I can’t judge anything off that. Jace releases me and grins before walking over to his side of the car. I open the door and settle into the front seat.
“This is a nice car.”
“You like it?” he asks. “Wait until we get on the main road.”
I fold and unfold my hands in my lap, trying and failing to relax. If he notices, he doesn’t say anything. We wind our way through campus. As soon as we get out onto the main road, he lets loose. I grab the door handle and push my feet against the floorboards. I don’t look over at the speedometer; I’m sure I don’t want to know how fast we’re going. He flies up behind a stopped car, barely keeping from hitting him. He looks over at me and laughs. “Nervous?”
“Scared to death,” I whisper. I’m serious, but he must think it’s funny because he laughs.
