But just as quickly as it started, it ended. When I left Serena on the deck, word got out that police were showing up and we had to bounce fast. I wasn’t able to ask her more about her. I wanted to know more. Hell, I would’ve gotten her number too. But thanks to the police, I lost my chance.
I don’t even know what school she goes to. The lake party has people from different high schools all around the area. For all I know, she could live maybe an hour or two away. Talk about a missed opportunity.
And just when I wonder too much, I remind myself of the hiatus: no girls, no distractions. Just focus on school, lacrosse, and family. Serena should stay as a pleasant distraction at best. Should. Yet I can’t help but question my rules. It’s silly to dwell on it, but our chance meeting makes me want to see her again.
Maybe I’m thinking with my heart and not my brain. Maybe I’m not thinking at all.
And I let it get the best of me.
I’ve shown up at Boba Republic three times this week. Each visit, I half-expected her to be there, serving up Thai green tea with that infectious smile. Instead, my childhood friend, Jared, greets me each time, raising an eyebrow as he takes my order. He probably thinks I’m obsessed with Thai green tea or with him that I come in this often. But he doesn’t know the real reason why I keep dropping in.
“You got this, dude. Just be normal. She’ll be there. This is it.” I mutter to myself, summoning every ounce of self-assurance. I step out of the car and make my way to the entrance, trying to act as nonchalant as possible.
I keep hyping myself up. I’ll get her number. I’ll get to know her. I want to know her.
I don’t look up as I walk in, half hoping and praying that Serena will be there at the counter to say hi and take my order. I lift my eyes to see my buddy handling the counter. Disappointment washes over me again not seeing Serena here. I sigh inwardly, realizing I’ve spent over $20 on boba this week alone.
“Dude, if you love me, just say so.” Jared chuckles, already reaching for the Thai green tea ingredients.
“Hey, man,” I reply, trying to play it cool. “Yeah, can’t get enough of it.”
“Love it that much you come in for the fifth time this week?” Jared raises an eyebrow, a teasing glint in his eye.
I laugh it off, but inside, my nerves are on high alert. I scan the room nonchalantly while hoping Serena will magically show up. Minutes pass, and my hopes start to waver.
“Thai green tea,again,” Jared says, sliding the drink on the counter towards me.
I sigh inwardly, disappointment diminishing all the hype I gave myself. “Thanks, dude.”
My eyes scan the café one last time, hoping against hope to see a flash of a familiar face. But not even her shadow was in sight. I shake my head. She was just a girl, it couldn’t be that serious. Still, with a sigh, I drive off.
There’s no way I’ll run into her again.
Chapter 6
Serena
“I can’t believe you’re making me spend our last day of summer at the gym.” I slouch against the stacked mats behind me, the coarse texture digging into my back. The smell of disinfectant hangs in the air, mingling with the faint scent of chalk and sweat.
Alli walks up to her bag, lying right next to me. She digs through it for her water, and chugs quite a bit out.
“Oh,” I chuckle.
“I need to visualize these formations and work on my tumbling.” She sets her water back down and puts on her puppy eyes. “Why don’t you join me? You love tumbling.”
I give her a look, letting my glare speak my obvious answer.
Alli puts her hands out in defense and starts backing away. “We’ll leave soon, I promise. Then we can go shopping and grab Panera for dinner.” With that, she spins around and goes back into her bubble.
She’s guilt-tripping me, waiting for me to bite the bait she laid out in front of me. I can’t ever say no to her, even though I really want to.
“Alright, alright. I’ll go and throw myself across the room.” I stand up and head over to meet Alli at the corner of the mat. She grins like a creep, and gives small claps at her reverse psychology.
“Stop smiling like that.” I glare at her. “It’s creepy.”
Alli shrugs and gestures her hand across the mat. “Go for it, queen.”
I Like It by Cardi B booms throughout the gym. It’s just us two here. This is Alli’s cheer gym, where she teaches toddlers. Her first love has always been cheerleading, but she’s dreamt of becoming a teacher because of her mom. Alli is great at everything when it comes to cheer. You need her to dance, done. Tumble, done. Stunt, done. Base, done. You can put her anywhere and she won’t complain, probably why she’s captain this year at Skyline High School.
