“What?”
“The answer’s still no.”
Is she an actual mind reader?
“I just need a little friendly advice, that’s all!”
“Why?”
I’ve been practicing the line over and over for the past few days, tweaking it for maximum authenticity.
“I’m nearly twenty-two. I’m thinking it’s time for me to settle down,” I offer. “I’ve got the emotional range of a middle schooler—going back to the basics seems necessary.”
“Yeah. You’re all sex, no education. Am I right?” She slips her glasses up and down her nose.
“Anyone ever tell you you’ve got a way with words?”
“Sorry, but this whole situation is out of control. I still think you’re screwing with me.” She frowns. “And why me, anyway? Why not Becca or Lois?”
“They said no,” I mutter.
“But I’m saying no, too! So, go find someone who’s actually interested.”
“Becca said you’re a pro. That you’ve read a bunch of books about it, and stuff.”
She lets out a bark of laughter. “Bull! That’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. I mean, you hear how ridiculous that sounds—right?”
“Just a little friendly advice,” I insist.
I start quivering my bottom lip, and she turns back to stare out the window, sighing.
The miles fly by as I hit the gas, urging us on. She’s a tough nut to crack. She doesn’t realize it, but the way she’s acting is kind of my first lesson—it’s all about staying in the saddle. I don’t know this girl, but I’m sensing she’s getting a kick out of brushing me off.
“Carrie?”
She turns to me. “I liked it better when you called me Cassie.”
Her brown eyes are pinning me to my seat, and it takes insane effort to focus my gaze back on the road.
She sighs. “If you’re looking for inspo, I know a great bookstore in town. You could read a few romances—do your own research, like a big boy. I can’t promise it’ll be enough to get you off the ground, though.”
As soon as I pull up along the sidewalk, she unclips her seat belt.
“Okay!” she says brightly. “Thanks for the ride. And good luck with everything.”
The car door swings shut, and I lean across to the window.
“Come on, I just saved your ass. Help me out, here.”
She stands there with her back to me for a few seconds, weighing what to do next. Slowly, she turns.
“Here’s the one and only piece of advice you’ll ever get from me, Wolinski, so listen up. The next time you go say hi to a girl, make sure you get her name right.” She looks at me meaningfully. “Trust me, it’ll do wonders for your love life.”
And with that, she starts striding toward campus.
“That it?!” I call after her.
“See you around!”
