She shakes her head, curls catch on the strap of her tote. “I think I can manage.”
A few paces away, everyone sees me chase after her. “And what about tonight foryourfirst lesson?”
“Oh. Yeah, sure. I kind of forgot about that.”
“No you didn’t. I’ll pick you up, I have an idea.”
NINE
SUTTON
If Cooper wasn’t alreadythe bane of my existence, it would be dating.
Truthfully, I don’t understand how to date.
It’s not rocket science, but why does it feel impossible to master? It shouldn’t be this complicated.
I thought being with someone would be natural. And before anyone wants to throw unsolicited advice, yes, I know relationships take work. And yes, I understand I’m in college and have years ahead of me, but it shouldn’t be this strenuous of an effort for attention…or affection.
It should be neck kisses, hands in my hair, and aimless drives. Counting freckles, memorizing your coffee order, and bumping elbows when you brush your teeth. Nothing and everything simultaneously.
Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe I’m searching or expecting too much. Probably so, if my track record proves anything. Maybe it’s the love that I grew up around, so I know it exists. Maybe it just doesn’t exist for me. Maybe it’s boys because let’s be real, it’s not like they make it any easier.
But apparently Cooper can.
My stomach flips as if it’s a coin. One side embossed with nerves, the other an anticipation sort of excitement like you’re going up the first hill of a rollercoaster.
When I agreed to this, I was wearing blinders. I didn’t think this through and now all of those thoughts and questions compound on me.
You want a relationship, not hook ups. How exactly do you teach someone to date? How is he going to teach me to date?
Cooper doesn’t date. I mean he does date, as in goes on a singular date. Probably a way to wine and dine a girl before sleeping with them. I’ve never seen or heard of him dating.
Not that I care what he does…
I don’t.
“Are you sure about this?” Elliot asks quietly, leaning into me.
I roped her into coming with me tonight. She loves the idea that Cooper is helping me become more confident with dating. “Definitely can’t miss this,” she said while slipping into a pair of skintight jeans.
He’s walking ahead of us. A dark pair of jeans hugging his legs, a gray Henley with the sleeves pushed up, and a backwards Bears hat.
“Nope. But I’m going to do it anyway. I mean, what’s the worst thing that could happen?”
“I like that attitude.” She loops an arm around my shoulders.
We find the rest of our friends standing on the far side of The Tipsy Bear. I knew they’d be here; Cooper mentioned they would be in the car. It is packed, and I’m starting to second-guess myself. When Cooper asked about speed dating, I didn’t expect this.
The entire back half of the bar is roped off. Against the wall is one large booth. A series of two-person tables are sandwichedbetween chairs. The booth side is filled with some recognizable faces, but a handful I don’t know.
“These seats are taken,” I hear Jaxon’s voice carry across the place.
A couple moves to the next table.
“Yeah, those too. This whole section is, but I can help you find a table somewhere else.” He leaves his post, guiding them to a cluster of tables by the air hockey table.
Cooper says hey to everyone while Elliot and I settle up behind them. Two hands curl around my shoulders, squeezing twice. I glance up and see Jaxon has returned.
