Page 16 of The Friend Scheme
“Oh, hi,” I say.
He leans against the bar. “Waiting for someone?”
Um. I mean, yes, I was waiting for him, but I don’t want to admit it.
“Um, no, I’m not waiting for anybody. Dad’s in a meeting upstairs. I’m just killing time. You know, the usual.”
I glance back at him. He’s wearing a gray shirt this time, neatly tucked into black slacks. The top two buttons are undone again, and he’s wearing the same shoes as last time. I can’t believe I noticed that, but you know.
They’re great shoes.
His hair is gently tussled and styled with product.
I glance at Vince. He’s busy playing pool.
“Too bad,” says Jason. “I was hoping you might be waiting for me.”
“I don’t do that.”
“Do what?”
“Wait for people.”
He smirks. “That’s smart. I totally came here hoping I’d see you.” He taps his knuckles on the bar.
I feel like I’ve been punched in the gut. It’s everything I want to hear. But it feelssodangerous. I’m not ready for anyone to know about me yet. Not even a stranger. But this boy… he’s making me feel all sorts of things.
He’s turned his body to the side now, so he’s fully facing me. My stare goes down his neck, to the smooth skin visible between the halves of his shirt. It’s so captivating. I imagine brushing my fingers along it, then immediately push the thought away.
“Wanna sneak out again?” he asks.
Hell yes.
But I feel like I shouldn’t. People might see.
He leans closer. I feel like I can’t move. Like I’m rooted to thespot, all my focus on him. I can smell his cologne, which is perfect, and the mint on his breath. His lips are nicely arched and look really soft.
It makes me think about kissing.
He leans down and whispers in my ear: “Outside, five minutes.”
He pats my chest, his hand lingering against me for a second, and then walks away.
Okay, fuck.
I turn, and watch as he leaves the bar. Then I scan the crowd.
Nobody is even looking my way. Everyone is too wrapped up in their own conversations, their own drama. Vince sinks a ball and then grins. It looks like a close game, and Ethan’s face is set in concentration.
Nobody saw him touch me.
Let me process this. The boy who hasn’t left my brain in over a week wants to see me again. Outside.
I crack my neck, and then the bartender notices me. I don’t want anything, but I don’t want it to seem like I was here just to get Jason’s attention.
“What can I getcha?” he asks.
“Er, just a Coke?”
