Page 11 of One More Dare
PORTER
“Iwasn’t planning on dating anyone this semester, but I think I really like her,” Josie says on FaceTime.
“You know I’m so happy for you, but can this conversation wait till I’m home after work?” I ask, out of breath, as I try to hurry across campus to meet Will for our debate project.
“Yes, of course. I just had to tell you about the text she sent me. I literally swooned, P.”
“She knows you’re a catch! But I need to go, I have to meet Will and?—”
“What?” Josie’s face shifts immediately as she interrupts at the mention of Will. “Why are you meeting Will? I thought we hated him?”
“I told you he’s my debate partner.”
“Yeah, and that you already met with him. Why do you need to meet with him multiple times for an opinion-based debate?” she questions, quirking a dark brow through the screen.
She’s right. We really don’t need to be meeting again. We probably didn’t need to meet at all. We could just touch base after class for a few minutes, but he keeps suggesting it, and Ikeep saying yes. I haven’t fully examined why. Maybe because I want to be wrong about him.
“He’s very committed to the project,” I explain, which is technically true.
Josie stares at me. “Uh-huh.”
“I think we might’ve misjudged him. I called him out about the bike last time we met, and he apologized and said he wanted to make it up to me. Or something…” I trail off.
“Oh, so how has he been making up for it? Enlighten me,” she requests in an overly cheery tone. “Also! I can’t believe you didn’t tell me you talked about the bike. We’ll come back to that later. But right now, tell me all the things.”
Part of me is ashamed because there really isn’t anything he’s done yet other than be nice in class and send me a few friendly texts about his coffee. Still, I feel a weird urge to defend him. Probably because she didn’t see how remorseful he was when we last talked.
“Add it to the list of things we have to talk about tonight, okay? I’ve really gotta go now. Love you, byeee.”
“Fine, but I’m not letting this go later. Love you!”
As soon as I hang up, I text Will.
Porter
My lecture ran long, on my way!
Porter
Not blowing you off
Even if Will isn’t my favorite person in the world, I’m not an intentionally rude person, and I hate inconveniencing people. Especially because he decided to take over the schedule planning so I have absolutely no idea what his day looks like.
I also hate that I’m probably going to have to skip lunch now. Ugh, I really should’ve told Will I couldn’t meet today. He said he wants to talk through new points that have come up in ourresearch and figure out the order we want to plan our speeches in. I figured I’d be able to grab a snack at the library café before we met, but now I doubt I’ll have time to wait in that line. And the food at the coffee shop is prepackaged and microwaved, so not my favorite.
My phone starts vibrating as I speed walk, and I realize Will is calling me.What college student makes actual phone calls?I reluctantly answer what I’m assuming was an accidental dial. “Hello?”
“Hey, Porter! I was double-checking your schedule while I was waiting and realized you don’t have much time before work. Would you rather meet somewhere for a quick lunch? If you’re coming from Jefferson Hall, Tommy’s Deli is probably closer than the library anyway. I can put in a mobile order now for us so we can eat while we talk?”
My mouth actually starts watering at the thought of my favorite Italian sub right now when I’d been resigned to skip the meal entirely. “Uh, sure. If you don’t mind?” I hesitantly agree.
“Of course not. What would you like?” It’s hard to ignore how happy he sounds, and I’m reminded, once again, how different Will has behaved since I’ve actually been talking to him.
I can’t think of many other guys our age who’d even notice I’d miss lunch, let alone offer a solution so easily. In the few interactions we’ve had, he’s assumed control of the situation, and it’s kind of refreshing. I’ve spent so long being the one who handles things for not only myself but also the people around me. I’m not sure I know what to do with someone who just takes something off my plate without being asked. As nice as it is, I really shouldn’t let myself get used to it.
A few minutes later, I’m walking into Tommy’s Deli, where a tall, attractive man with curly hair and bright blue-green eyes is waiting for me with my favorite sandwich. I have a wild thought that I wish this were a date. Not with Will ofcourse, but if he were a man who was anywhere near as attractive as he is, who was actually interested in me, then damn, this would be a really great date. But I remind myself that I don’t actually want it to be. I’ve been down this road once before and left with a broken heart. It’s safer to avoid dating altogether.
That line of thinking isn’t helpful at all, so I sit across from him and get right to business. “Hey, thanks. How much do I owe you?”
