I watch as Eli rotates in his seat. A second later, his warm hand touches mine. When our fingers intertwine, my heart starts to beat wildly in my chest. Like a drum beat on some hard rock album. That’s what it feels like anyway. “I’m going to confess something to you, Em.”
Uh-oh.
I look up and our eyes meet––still, I remain silent.
“I’ve never had a girlfriend before.”
Okay. That shocks me. So much so, I release a tiny gasp. “That can’t be true.” But if it is, it means we have something in common. I’ve never had a boyfriend. The question is, do I have one now?
“Yes,” he says quickly. “It’s true. I’ve gone on a couple of dates for prom and other events, but I’ve never technically had a girlfriend.”
“That just can’t be. You’re…” He’s gorgeous. There had to have been a million girls and now, women, who have at least tried. Instead of finishing that sentence, I ask, “Why not?”
“Never had time.” He shrugs. “Hockey and school have dominated my life.”
“Are you saying you thinkI’myour girlfriend?”
“Oh.” He pulls his hand away from me so fast I don’t have time to grab on. “I guess I thought….”
I reach my hand out to his hand this time. Taking it in mine, I slide my fingers between his until it’s back to the way it was moments ago. Only, this time, our hands are resting on his thigh. “I like the idea. I just never thought…. I mean, we’ve only known each other for a little while.” And I know for a fact that it takes people a long time to get to the point where they call each other boyfriend and girlfriend. At least Carley says it takes a long time. According to her, “kids today,” take the time to get to know the other person before jumping into anything.
“You’re the first girl, woman, I’ve ever met that made me feel––”
“Feel?” I lean closer to him. “How do I make you feel?” I really want to know.
He looks down into my eyes and a sweet smile appears on his face at the exact moment his hand squeezes mine. The sweetest thing I’ve ever heard—ever—follows.
“Happy.”
O.M.G. I swear to you, the burn of tears hits me in zero point one second. But I hold it back. I can’t let him see that his one word is making me tear up. No way. He’ll think I’m crazy. “I make you happy?”
“You do. You make me smile and laugh and whenever I’m with you, I feel like I could conquer the world.”
“Ido that? For you?”Seriously?
“You do.”
I shake my head quickly so I can clear my head from this euphoric state. Clarity. I need clarity. “So, you left me at the door and forgot about me because you’ve never had a girlfriend?”
“Basically. Plus, I assumed you were hanging with Carley.”
“Oh,neverassume.”
He holds up his free hand. “I know. I know.” He chuckles. “I promise you, Emma. If you ever go to a party with me again, I’llneverleave your side.”
His face, God, he looks so pained. So worried. “Okay.”
“Okay?” He looks surprised. “You forgive me?”
“I do. Plus, I could have handled everything better than I did. Next time, I’ll make sure I talk to you. I’ll tell you if something’s bothering me.”
“Good.” He squeezes my hand again. “That’s good. Tell me how you feel.” He pauses before asking, “That was your first college party?”
“Yep.”
“So I ruined your first college party?”
“Nah.” I need to do something to make him stop feeling like crud about this. “You didn’t. Let’s just forget about it. I’ll go to another party with you sometime and we can get a do-over.”
