Page 153 of One More Kiss

“You might want to lead the way,” I said, “I don’t know where your class is.”

Tori fidgeted as if she were nervous in my presence, and it made me want to calm her nerves. She was gorgeous no matter how nervous she was.

“I figured that much,” she said.

We walked the way Tori was leading us. I wasn’t sure which class she had first and didn’t care as long as I was with her.

“How was the rest of your weekend?” I asked.

She inhaled deeply before saying, “It was okay. What about you?”

I thought she would have more to say considering the deep breath. It was as if she wasn’t sure what to tell me. I just want to hear her melodic voice and listen to her all day.

I chuckled at her simple answer, “Mine was okay. My band finally had a chance to practice. We don’t get to practice often since most of us are graduating next year.”

Tori commented and seemed really interested in what I had to say. It was amazing talking to her. Actually, it was great talking to someone who wanted to hear what I had to say, but then the conversation went on a different route, the military. I didn’t want to discuss my enlistment because it meant I had to come to terms with what that meant with our relationship, such as leaving for long periods of time.

Her face was crestfallen when I explained I had enlisted. I think she understood what that meant by the way her face had changed from admitting the inevitable. I explained to her why I joined, such as wanting to travel and being offered paid college. Even though she seemed upset, she was still interested in what I had to say. I was beyond smitten with her.

We made it to her classroom as the tardy bell rang. I felt horrible about her tardiness, but I couldn’t say I was upset about spending time with her. She wasn’t upset about being late and told me so. Things were great, and I couldn’t stop touching her hand once again as I backed up and left her to enter the classroom.

As soon as I was out of the hallway I sprinted toward my classroom, knowing I would get in just as much trouble for being tardy. I didn’t care because I was on top of the moon. Tori was clearly interesting. How could she not be when she made it a point to converse with me, and she allows me to hold her hand.

“Phoenix,” Mr. Gardner bellowed, “You’re late.”

He didn’t turn away from the chalkboard as he spoke to me. I figured he was in the classroom because the teacher was out for the day. Sometimes, when substitute teachers weren’t found to replace the regular teachers, the principal would stand in their place. Go figure, the day I was late was when this occurred.

“I know, Sir. I’m sorry about that,” I replied, quickly taking my seat.

I didn’t bother to give him an excuse because he wouldn’t believe it anyway, so I apologized and started to take out my notebook and pen.

Mr. Gardner placed the chalk on the ledge of the chalkboard and turned around. “Don’t bother. I need you to go to Mrs. Winters class. She’s having issues with her computer. As soon as you’re done, come back here unless the bell rings, then go to your next class.”

I quickly opened the notebook, scribbled a few words, and then swiftly put my notebook and pen back into my backpack. As soon as I zipped it up, I was ready to go. The day was already going to be easy for me. I knew exactly where Mrs. Winters class was because I just left Tori outside of her room. I was one lucky guy because I had the chance to see Tori sooner rather than later.

I walked the halls and made it outside of the classroom. After one knock, Mrs. Winters opened the door. I told her I was there to fix her computer and she directed me to the back of the classroom. I didn’t notice the computer right away because my eyes were on Tori.

I absently said thanks to the teacher and promised it wouldn’t take long, before walking to the computer. I barely heard Mrs. Winters reply before agreeing. My stomach seemed to ache as I locked eyes with Tori. I slipped the note onto her desk as I passed by and winked before walking away. I hoped she would read it right away; she didn’t disappoint me. The smile on her face said it all, she was smitten as well. I knew right then that I had to ask her out on a date.

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