Chapter 31
Thirty-One
RHOADS
It took everything in me, every ounce of willpower, not to kiss Chloe at the car wash. The way the droplets clung to her eyelashes, and the stream ran down from her wet hair, it was like something from a movie.
I could barely breathe at how beautiful she looked, let alone think.
My hands grip the glass of my latest project. It’s the only smooth sensation in the swirling tempest of my life right now. I drop in the pink shards of plastic first, then the watermelons from a random Barbie farmer’s market set I found at Cardinal Ridge Thrift.
I’m glad Farrah left me to fend for myself, because otherwise Chloe and I wouldn’t have had that moment in which I could tell that she wanted to kiss me, too. Her walls were up, for sure. But her pupils had dilated, and she’d leaned in ever so slightly, her gaze fixed on my lips.
I hated having to pull away, but everything she’d said to me at school that day ricocheted in my mind. It wouldn’t have been fair to kiss her then. To either of us.
She’s trying to push me away, but I know she feels the connection between us. I don’t care what the rest of the school thinks of me, but I can’t start something with my dream girl if she believes the rumors. The last thing I want is for her to think I’m just going to kiss and run.
No Strings Simpson.
The nickname slid so easily from her lips, like she’s heard it thousands of times. The thought grates my nerves to dust. I want strings. All the strings. But only if they’re connected to her.
I carefully pour in the liquid solution, a mixture of distilled water, vegetable glycerin, and clear Elmer’s glue, then attach the base.
All I’ve wanted the last two years is to be tied to her. But I have to prove myself first. I have to show her she’s different, that she’s the one I’ve been waiting for. That I’m not the playboy everyone thinks I am.
But how? What would communicate that to her? Saying the words won’t be enough. I need a grand gesture. Something that really makes an impact.
Studying and soccer training have given us time together, but Chloe’s so focused on upping her game that there hasn’t been a good opportunity for me to make a real move. And economics doesn’t exactly set a romantic scene.
I place the globe on the rack to dry and press my palms over my tired eyes. Pink light from the shards refracts onto the wall in an abstract geometric pattern that looks vaguely like a heart smashed in thirds.
I grimace at it. Is that a bad omen? My future cast in reflected light?
Chloe said Graham broke her heart. Will making a move just push her away even more? Is she even ready to get into another relationship?
My inner voice tells me to shut up, because I’ve been waiting for this chance for nearly two years. I can’t squander it. Even if I have to go slow, that’s alright. No need to declare my undying love in skywriting or anything.
I grab my phone. If anyone can help me, it’s Candace, Jensen’s older sister. She’s always been like a sister to me, too, and I’ve never even had a crush on her.
If anyone can help me turn around this thing with Chloe, it’s her.
Candace replies immediately.
I was wondering when I’d hear from you.
Please help. Be gentle.
Candace
Start small. Just show her you’ve been paying attention to her.
Hmm. Maybe I could spell out I really like you in chocolate syrup on her pancakes. No, that’s dumb.
I could get her favorite breakfast things from around town? She’s particular. Pancakes from one place, bacon from another, hash browns, etc.
Candace
Bullseye. Simple and personal.
Thanks, C.
Candace
good idea. Now you have to execute.
I smile and set my phone down, feeling confident for the first time in days. I can do this. Chloe’s coming over to study tomorrow night. And when she arrives, I’ll have a spread of all her favorite breakfast foods from around town. That’ll show her I’ve been listening.
Piper, Chloe’s teammate, told me the key to Chloe’s heart—or at least a chance at it—is breakfast. It’s been helping us get closer so far. Let’s hope Piper’s love advice is as accurate as her corner kicks.