“So, tell me about this small town of yours,” I said as we started to make our way toward our apartment building.
And so she did. She told me about how her parents had grown up there and loved it so much that they’d decided to raise her and her brother there, about the town’s annual cherry festival that was celebrated more than Christmas, how old lady Marabeth sat on her porch on Main Street and judged the whole town, and how birthdays were just an excuse for the town to get together for a potluck and eat lots of food.
As I listened to her, I could hear how much she loved her hometown, despite how quirky it sounded. Everyone knew everyone’s business, and nothing was kept secret or not gossiped about.
“I know it might sound crazy to you that going to this wedding alone is going to be a nightmare for me, but I swear I’m not exaggerating,” she said.
“Sounds like you’ll be the talk of the town.”
“That’s an understatement.”
“What if you went to the wedding with someone, a plus-one?” I asked, wanting to give her a solution to her problem.
She let out a huff of air. “Like who?”
“Me.”
The word was out of my mouth before I could think about it, let alone stop myself from saying it.
Why? Why had I volunteered myself?
But the offer was already out, and I couldn’t take it back now.
Her eyes were wide. “You?”
I tried not to let her tone hurt my ego. “You make it sound like it’s a bad idea.”
Because it is, you idiot.
I felt like there were two of me, one who was acting way too chivalrous for my liking, and the other who wanted to punch the other one in the face for getting him in this situation.
“No, it’s not,” she rushed to say. “I’m just surprised.”
“If you don’t want to take me, that’s totally fine. Just thought I’d try to help you out.” Maybe she wouldn’t take me up on my offer after all. Then I’d be off the hook.
She stopped walking and looked at me. “You’d really go to the wedding with me?”
“Yeah, if you needed me to,” I said nonchalantly, but inside I was freaking out. I really hoped she wouldn’t take this the wrong way. I was just a friend helping out another friend. “That’s what friends do,” I added, hoping she’d get my not-so-subtle hint.
She threw her arms around my neck, catching me off guard as I wrapped my arms around her slim waist. She felt even smaller in my arms than she looked. She was definitely at least a foot shorter than me and had to stand on her tiptoes to reach her arms around my neck.
“Thank you, Slate,” she said, her voice soft and close to my ear.
Hearing her genuine gratitude and knowing I was helping something go better in her life had me certain I had done the right thing. Having her body this close to mine didn’t hurt either.
* * *
Glancing down at my phone, I saw Isla’s name on the screen—a text message from her. We’d exchanged numbers before I left her at our apartment building so we could plan for lunch.
Isla:Is Josh there?
I’d already been on the lookout for him since I figured she wouldn’t be ready to be in the same room as him only hours after their breakup. I’d been worried she might bail on me for lunch and stay cooped up in her room, but I hoped I could still get her to come join us.
Me:No. And if he shows up, I’ll make him leave.
Isla:How do you plan to do that? The dining hall is for all students.
Me:You don’t think if I went toe-to-toe with that prick I couldn’t get him to leave? I didn’t want to have to mention my size, but I’m huge. ;)
