Chapter 21
Chapter Twenty-One
CHLOE
The day passes by in a blur. I spend most of the morning giving lessons, then the afternoon at a luncheon with some VIP ticket holders. I don’t have a spare moment until three.
When I check my phone, I notice a text from Drew.
Drew: I’m so, so, so, so sorry. My phone died and I overslept. Please forgive me. Call me when you get this.
Checking the time stamp, I see that it was sent around ten this morning. I hang my head. Why didn’t I make an effort to check sooner? I tap his name. There are a couple rings before I’m sent to voicemail.
“Hey, Drew, I’m sorry I’m calling you back so late.
It’s been a really busy day. I know this is super last minute, but, um, would you like to be my date for the Merry Mynt Ball?
It’s tonight at seven. I meant to ask you last night, but well .
. . it didn’t work out. Anyways, if you could let me know either way, that’d be great.
I’m free the rest of the afternoon, so call me whenever. ”
I hang up and wince at my words. I couldn’t have sounded any more awkward. Or desperate. I really hope he says yes, but I don’t want to count my chickens before they hatch. Been there. Done that.
I’ve been stood up before. Forgotten before.
By Adam. By Nick. Even by my own parents.
Each time, it left me swearing I wouldn’t risk it again.
But I’ve worked hard to change that—to find better coaches, to rebuild my confidence, to believe I deserve more than being overlooked.
And here I am, dialing anyway. Taking the risk because for once, I want to trust that up.
I hope and pray this time he proves me right.