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“Believe what you want, but I cannot offer you an extension or a makeup test without it being unfair to the rest of my students.”

Their laughter ends abruptly, and they scowl at me as they leave my classroom, muttering under their breath that they should’ve take Dr. Hawthorne’s class. The dean told me last week they applied for a transfer, and when she saw their reason why, she denied the request.

I grab my phone to see if I have any missed messages and rest my back against my desk.

I have two missed texts, one from an unknown number. I open that one first.

Unknown

Dr. Woodcock, might I call you Noel? This is Dr. Hawthorne. You may call me Dexter. I was hoping to catch you at the coffee shop this morning, but you weren’t there.

I smile at his formality. I can hear his British accent in my head telling me I may call him Dexter.

Noel

Good morning, Dexter. Yes, you may call me Noel. :-)

I save his number on my phone.

Dr. Dex

I would still love to grab dinner soon. What evening works for you?

Noel

I’m free this weekend!

Oops, I cringe. Maybe that was too desperate.

Dr. Dex

Would Friday work? I got tickets to the Eagles’ game that night too. We could grab an early dinner, then check out the game?

I bite my bottom lip, feeling conflicted. A hockey game would be the last thing I’d normally want to do on a date. But I’ve never been to a game, despite begging from Andie and Mel. And there’s a part of me that wants to see what it’s all about, and to see Colby in serious-work-mode. Or does he grin and goof off the whole time? I’m curious because he’s my friend. My pal. Andie’s little brother, Noah, is also my friend. I’ve gone to his youth hockey games, so what’s the difference? Also, the noise of the arena would take away my need to fill awkward silences.

Noel

Friday works, and that sounds fun!

Dexter asks for my address and tells me he’ll pick me up at five. He also reminds me to dress warm for the game, which feels so obvious it’s almost condescending.

“He’s just being nice, Noel. Sheesh. Give the guy a break,” I mumble to myself as I pull up my other missed message. This one is from Colby and an easy smile tugs at my lips. I try to keep my expression neutral, because I shouldn’t be smiling bigger over my text from Colby than my text from Dexter. I’ve wanted Dexter to ask me out, or to even notice me, since he started teaching here. And Colby hasn’t even been on my radar. I’ve purposely ignored the man, even found him to be obnoxious. So, what’s this annoying, new, sparkly feeling all about?

Colby

Finished The Hobbit. SO EPIC. Starting The Fellowship of the Ring today.

Noel

That’s amazing! I’m impressed. Not everyone appreciates the slower pace of Tolkien’s storytelling.

Colby

How’s your day going?

Noel

Good! Actually, Dexter asked me on a date. We’re going to dinner Friday… and an Eagles’ game.