Page 37
NOEL
Monday and Tuesday I didn't hear from Colby. I could tell he was hesitant about the whole dating coach thing… but I need his help. I think the preseason started, so I was trying to be patient.
It’s Wednesday morning now, and still nothing. I’m getting my morning coffee in the campus coffee shop, when the bell above the door chimes and Dr. Hawthorne strides inside. I panic. Colby hasn’t given me any instructions yet, and I always make a fool of myself in front of this man. Ducking into the small bathroom before he can see me, I slam the door and lock it.
“Oh no,” I mutter. “I forgot my coffee.” With a groan, I dig inside my purse and pull my phone out. Staring at the screen for a second, I tap on the contact of the last person I want to talk to, but the only one who can help me. The phone rings three times before Colby’s gravely, sleepy voice answers. My heart beats faster at his just-woke-up voice and I refuse to delve into the reason why. Not when I’m in the middle of a Dexter-mergency.
“Good morning, angel,” he purrs. “Is this a booty call? I knew you’d cave, eventually.”
“Would you be serious?” I yell through the phone. “I need your help!”
He groans. “Okay, okay. But you woke me up at eight thirty in the morning on the one day I get to sleep in this week.”
“You’ll survive. Anyway, I’m in the campus coffee shop, and Dr. Hawthorne walked inside! I panicked!”
I hear him blow out a slow breath. “Alright, relax. What’s the problem, exactly?”
“You haven’t given me any instructions yet! I don’t know how to talk to him!”
“Where are you? Are you still in the coffee shop?”
“Yes, I’m hiding in the bathroom.”
“Lesson number one,” he says with humor in his voice, like he’s desperately trying not to laugh. “Don’t hide from the person you’re trying to get to notice you.”
“Very funny.” I put my back to the door and lean against it. “Every time I talk to him, I say something stupid. He never even smiles at me.”
“He’s a stoic Brit, Noel.” His voice sounds annoyed, and I think this is the first time he’s used my real name. Maybe he isn’t a morning person? “Any guy would be flattered to have a beautiful woman trip all over themselves trying to talk to him, okay? There’s no way he hasn’t noticed. Go be yourself. Even if you’re dorky or say something stupid. The first lesson of flirtation is confidence.”
I’m momentarily stunned. He referred to me as beautiful. Now, if I was a good feminist, my heart wouldn’t flutter at the compliment. But apparently, I’m not a good feminist.
“Confidence?” I squeak out, suddenly feeling more nervous, and hotter.
“Fake it til you make it.”
With a deep breath I thank him, and we end the call. I hope Colby falls back asleep, because he was a real bear about this conversation.
I open the bathroom door, straightening my spine, and step out into the coffee shop. I’m feigning confidence and taking a few runway-worthy steps before glancing around the room. Dexter is near the coffee bar, lounging against the wall with his ankles crossed. The pose has the hem of his trousers pulled up enough that I can see he's wearing green and blue argyle socks, which pair nicely with his navy sweater-vest.
The young barista holds up a travel cup, reading what’s written on the side, “Plain, black coffee?”
“That’s me,” Dexter says proudly, his nose always tilted toward the ceiling.
The young man appears bored and hands him the cup before rushing back for another order. I spot my own coffee, a hazelnut, butter latte, waiting for me on the counter and take a step forward. When Dexter turns to leave, he spots me. And to my delight, his face absolutely lights up upon seeing me. I’m sure my expression matches him, since I’m delighted that he’s delighted. Maybe I didn’t freak him out at all. Maybe he’s into smart, awkward girls who word-vomit their every thought.
“Dr. Woodcock, I was hoping to run into you.”
“You were?” I say way too quickly and a much too loud. I clear my throat and try again. “Well, here I am.”
His next words make me deflate faster than a balloon on a hot, summer’s day. “I didn’t realize you’re friends with Colby Knight. I saw the Eagles’ article on you two. I’m a big fan, being an athlete myself and all.”
He. Did. Not.
I force a laugh, and it definitely sounds forced. “Oh. Yeah. My best friend is married to Weston Kershaw, it’s no big deal.”
His jaw drops. “You know the entire team?”
Oops. I should've just left it at Colby. “I mean, I don’t know them.”
