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“Oh my gosh! He’s totally into you.” She winks.

“Don’t wink at me, it’s creepy. What should I say?”

Noel moves directly in front of me and puts her hands on my shoulders. “Okay, take a deep breath and answer a question for me.”

Closing my eyes, I take a deep breath.

“Tell me,” She pauses and rubs my shoulders in a comforting gesture. “when you saw West last night, did you still feel something for him?”

I huff and scowl at her. She holds eye contact and gives me a knowing look.

With a sigh I say, “Alright… yes I still felt a spark. But he’s not interested in me like that.”

“Maybe this is a second chance. Feelings can change, you know.” She waggles her eyebrows.

“I don’t know, I don’t want to get my hopes up. But… it would be nice to be friends again.”

Another text comes through and Noel rushes back to my side so she can read over my shoulder.

West

So, would you be free to get coffee today or tomorrow? I don’t have practice until this afternoon and have the day off tomorrow.

Noel claps her hands together and makes a strangled squeak like she’s suppressing another excited squeal. Or at least trying to. I narrow my eyes at her before typing out a response.

Melanie

Hey, West. Tomorrow morning would work.

West

Great! I know a place downtown. Can I pick you up?

Melanie

That’s okay, text me the address and time and I’ll meet you there.

West

Alright. See you tomorrow.

“Why tomorrow and not today?” Noel asks, looking confused.

“Besides the fact that I need a day to emotionally prepare myself?” I scoff.

She bumps my hip with hers. “You’re so dramatic.”

“Actually, I’m going to swim laps today. I used to go all the time and want to start again.”

“That’s a great idea!”

I grin. “You wanna come with me?”

She backs away from me slowly. “No thanks, I prefer to exercise my mind. But you have fun!”

I creep towards her. “You know you want to.”

Noel turns and runs toward her bedroom, yelling, “I have papers to grade!” Her door closes.