“Try to break that habit?” I asked.
“I’ll try.” He nodded. “But now that I’ve finally found someone who’s good at this and nice to talk to… Well, I’ve lost my incentive.”
My cheeks warmed at the teasing grin he gave me. Usually, I liked guys who were generally mean to everyone they came in contact with. Which was why I didn’t think it’d be hard to stay in the realm of friendship with Dakota. It shouldn’t be as long as he stopped smiling at me like I was someone he enjoyed finding an excuse to see.
“I’d send you to someone like Kyle if it’s too serious,” I warned.
“It won’t get too serious, then,” he promised with a one-shoulder shrug.
I smiled and turned away to clean up the area. With my back to him, I tried to will away the excitement I’m sure was in my eyes. I hadn’t been flirted with in years. Making the first move was always my thing. Until now, I thought I didn’t mind being the main one who showed interest. I was wrong.
“A little birdie told me you’re interested in joining the emergency team,” Dakota said.
I looked back at him. He stood up now, ready to move on with his day. My shoulders sagged, even though I hadn’t even expected to speak with him today. Dakota’s presence, even if short, made me feel more awake and present. The room felt warmer with him in it.
“Yeah, it sounds like a good way to spend some time,” I told him.
“Perfect. Can’t wait to see you there, then.” He reached for his phone and pulled up a flyer. “Take a photo of this. It’s the time and place for training.”
I pulled my phone out of my pocket to snap the photo. His respect towards my desire to keep my number private didn’t go unnoticed. I should have caved and given it to him then, but he took off before I could offer.
“I think I’m running a little late,” he explained when quickly reaching for his bag. “I’ll see you later, Emmy. Hope you have a good first day.”
“Yeah.” I wasn’t quick enough for him to hear, but I still added, “You too.”
Chapter 8
Iwasthefirststudent to walk into my Documentary Filmmaking class. Being this early to something academic felt weird, especially when the professor beamed at me from her desk.
“Good morning.” She wore a loose floral shirt, tucked into high-waisted trousers. Her blonde curls grazed her shoulders. As she spoke, she positioned the lollipop she’d been sucking on in the side of her mouth. “Are you here for Doc Filmmaking?”
I nodded and tried my best to give her a calm smile. “I am.”
I didn’t have much experience with the whole interacting with professors thing. And from the syllabus she’d posted online, I knew my nerves wouldn’t stop there because we’d have class critique along with professor feedback.
I’d only ever shown my work in person to family. My parents, Kai, and Naia never seemed impressed. And when I sent one of my shorts off to a film festival, the only response I’d received back was, needs lots of work.
The professor waved her hand. “Go ahead and take a seat anywhere.”
I debated on going to the back, but since I was the only one in the room, decided on plopping down in the front. Being a front-row student never fit my personality, but hey, I was turning a new leaf. Trying out new things. The definition of insanity was doing the same thing and expecting different results. I was in the market for new results.
As I unloaded my iPad and the mandatory course workbook that cost me a small fortune, the professor came before me to place down a printed version of the syllabus.
“Thank you.” I smiled at her and reread the list of assignments I’d peeked at before. My stomach did the same flip it did when I first saw the final project requirements. “Um… excuse me?”
“Yes?” Professor — Francis, according to the top of the syllabus — asked, pausing at placing her sheets on the rest of the empty desks.
“The final project,” I started. “Are you giving us a subject, or is it free reign?”
“Free reign,” she informed without hesitation. “I only ask that students pick a subject that means something to them and the world around them. Something relevant to you or someone you care about.”
I nodded and redirected my gaze to the paper again. A subject that means something to me? Thirty-five minutes of a film dedicated to something important to me? My stomach tightened a bit with nerves. I liked school assignments with more guidelines, at least when it came to filming. Because having free reign meant I was going to have to really try. Trying hadn’t gone well for me in the past.
As a few more students trickled into the class, I pulled out a sheet of paper and tried to come up with a list of things I liked and could stomach sharing with other people. I came up with only two things before giving up to focus my attention on Professor Francis at the front of the class.
“Welcome, everyone.” She gave us a wide smile and tossed her empty lollipop stick in the nearby trash. “This is Documentary Filmmaking, and I’m here to push you all to create something that’s going to change a life. Are we ready for that?”
I peered around, wondering if my desk neighbors were on board with our professor’s excitement. They seemed more than thrilled to get started with their life-changing work. I sucked in a breath, straightened my back, and turned to a new sheet of paper to take notes.
