Page 4 of That Right Moment

“So,” she smiled, pulling at the butterflies in my stomach. Her amber hair covered her shoulders, and her green eyes glowed in the dim light of the bar. She licked her lips, making those butterflies tumble around. “You’re an EMT, and you seem to be a nerd,” she said, gesturing toward my t-shirt.

I looked down at it, noticing the Iron Man pose inked onto the black t-shirt. “Marvel all the way.” I glanced back up at her. “Does that make me a nerd?”

“Of course it does. But let me ask, comics or movies?” She raised her gaze from my chest to my eyes, pulling me in.

“Both. I’ve read all the comics and seen all the movies. The comics keep me company on long nights in the ambulance.”

“And the movies?” she asked, wiggling her eyebrows, scotting closer to me, a grin forming.

“Oh, the movies…” I wave my hand, “Don’t get me started on the fantasticness that is those movies.”

Madeline’s smile grew. “My favorite is—”

“Let me guess.” I held up a hand, stopping her. She tightly closed her lips and raised her eyebrows. “Thor.” She shook her head. “Captain America.” She shook her head again. “Iron Man?” I furrowed my brows as she shook her head faster, her tight lips forming that unforgettable grin. “Oh, I know. Loki.”

The shaking of her head got faster and faster as my many guesses failed. There weren't that many movies left to guess. Her eyes widened, and her lips loosened, showing off her beautiful smile.

“I love the Hulk,” she said. “I really love the Edward Norton one, but Mark Ruffalo did a fantastic job in the new movie.”

“Mark Ruffalo was born to play the Hulk.” I put my elbow on the bar top and leaned into her. “Not many people would admit they like that movie. You’re brave.”

“What else are they going to do with those movies? They keep saying ‘phase one.’” Her fingers formed air quotes, her pink nails flashing the bar light. “How manyIron Man, Captain America,andHulkmovies before you get your point across? Do they really need a phase two?”

My eyes widened. “There is so much more to the Marvel Cinematic Universe then people realize.” I smiled. This girl was letting me talk about my obsession with Marvel…I knew right then and there I wasn’t going to give her up that easily. She dropped her hands to the bar top. I hesitated for a millisecond before placing my palm on the back of her hand. She twisted her hand so our palms met and our fingers intertwined. Her hand fit perfectly into mine, as if it was molded just for me.

The knots in my stomach grew as I talked about what was planned for the Marvel movies afterThe Avengers, and Madeline—even if she didn't care—hung on my every word, smiling and giggling along the way.

After a few more drinks and finally ordering food, Madeline and I talked about anything and everything we could think of. I pulled her onto the dance floor, and we swayed and jumped to the different music as Clay and Ophelia vanished. It didn't bother me in the slightest that Clay had ditched us, turning this “double date” into just Madeline and me. I could have stayed here forever with her.

During a slow song, I wrapped my arms around Madeline’s waist as she laced her fingers together at the nape of my neck. I wasn’t good at this. I wasn’t good at dating, but Madeline made it easy. If I had the guts, I would kiss her, then and there, and never break away. I bit the inside of my cheeks to stop myself.

“So,” she said softly. “Where do you go from being an EMT?”

I let go of my cheek. “The idea was to be an ER doctor…” I paused. I had told Clay I didn’t want to talk about school, but I’d give Madeline anything she asked for. “But,” I continued, “I dropped out after my mom passed.”

Her eyes softened. “Any plans to return?”

I shook my head. “Not at the moment,” I mumbled.

She smiled. “Being an EMT is an impressive feat. It’s a great career choice.”

“My mom thought so too. She was the one who inspired me to go that route. Being an ER Doctor may be out of the cards, but I can train to be a paramedic; not just an EMT.”

First school, and now my mom,andthe future?What was this girl doing to me?

“Your mom, she was a doctor?”

I shook my head. “She was a social worker.” I paused, taking a deep breath before casually speaking about my mother’s death. I was still grieving, still lost without her in my life as a beacon but looking at Madeline…I knew I could trust her. “She passed away about six months ago. It’s been tough, but Clay has finally talked me into leaving the house.” I tapped my fingers on her lower back, bringing her attention to my touch and away from my mother.

She flipped her head gently, making her hair fall behind her shoulders as she lifted her chin and locked her gaze on mine.

“Well, I for one am glad you did.” She smiled.

“From what I understand, it took you a long time to come out too.” I raised my eyebrows and put my forehead as close to hers as I could. “We were both being stubborn.”

She clenched her teeth. “I had…have,” she corrected, “exams to study for. I won’t get into dental school based on looks alone.”

I chuckled. “Unfortunately, that’s true and would be very, very wrong.”

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