Chapter 17
Tyler
I’m sitting at our usual table waiting for Serena. We’re working through a problem I’ve been having trouble with which is partly why I asked for an emergency session.
Reason one, I actually did need help.
Reason two, I really wanted to see her. We don’t have any classes together, unless you count lunch, but we don’t sit together. I could, but I’d hate to be that guy who barges and takes someone else’s spot at their table.
Reason three, I think I am falling for her. I know I said no girls or girlfriends during my senior year, but I think I’m starting to see the error of my ways now.
It’s game day, so cheerleaders make it a tradition to wear the school colors every home game on Fridays. Earlier at lunch, I couldn’t tell what she was wearing other than a navy blue shirt. But now that she’s sitting across from me, explaining triangles to me, I should be listening but I’m too busy admiring her beauty .
Serena’s wearing ripped mom jeans and a cropped Skyline Vikings shirt that hugs her body in every goddamn way possible. Her makeup is light today, but her long lashes flutter every time she blinks, and it takes my breath away.
“Calculating the area of a triangle with two sides and an included angle can be hard, but it’s all about using the right formula,” Serena explains, tapping her pencil against the paper as she focuses her attention on me. “Does that help?”
I was not listening. “Yeah, it helps a lot.”
“You weren’t listening,” Serena leans back in her chair.
“I have to admit, I’m finding it hard to concentrate with you looking like that.”
Serena’s eyes widen and her cheeks flush with a rosy tint.
“So, you excited for the game?”
Serena sighs while picking at her nails. “I guess.”
“You guess?”
“Just a little nervous. Game day cheer is not something I’m used to.”
“I’ve seen you practice, you’ll do great.” The words come out before I can even think about it. Did I really just tell her I watch her practice? Great job, I just admitted to being a stalker .
“Thanks.” Serena smiles, her face blushing pink. “Wait,” Her brows furrow and she punches my shoulder playfully. “You watch me practice?”
For a small girl, she packs a punch. “Ouch,” I rub my arm. “Correction, I’ve seen you practice.”
“Mhm, you better, or else you’re a stalker in my book.”
We laugh as she gestures for me to focus on the last two problems, which I wrap up quickly, earning me a thumbs up from her. Seeing that we’re done with our work, I decide this is the moment to start ours. I slide my binder and textbook aside, and notice Serena trying to make a run for it.
Before she can get up and leave, I grab her elbow, “Wait.”
Serena looks at our connection, glances off to the side, and then reluctantly settles back down.
Lately, she’s been in a hurry to leave right when we finish. Her “excuse” is that she needs to leave early for practice. I let her go, choosing to believe she’s telling the truth. But today, I’m choosing to be the tutor.
“We have to work on your bucket list.”
Serena arches a brow, a puzzled expression crossing her face but then fades away. “I forgot.”
“I said I was going to help you, so let me help you. ”
“Tyler–”
“Sunshine.”
We both narrow our eyes. Serena probably thinks she’s going to win this stare down contest, but little does she know I’m not backing down.
She only offers me a gentle sigh as she pulls out a notebook from her bag. She flips through it to show me a small list. “Read it and weep.”
I pick up her notebook and nod at each point. I would have expected bungee jumping off a cliff, but this is Serena we’re talking about. Most of these are cute and realistic to do. Setting her notebook down, I grab my pencil and mark off the first one.
“What are you doing?”
“Checking off these ones.” I cross them out and meet her curious eyes. I point down at two goals, go to a Friday night game and join a club or extracurricular activity .
I continue, “You’re going to be in tonight’s game and you’re a cheerleader slash you’re my tutor.” I lift my hand up, offering a high-five. Serena stares at my hand for a moment then sheepishly returns the high-five.
“Atta girl.”
“What’s next?” Serena laughs awkwardly, shifting in her seat, her fingers fiddling with the edge of her notebook .
I lean in to take another look at her notebook. “Any order you want to do it in?”
Serena looks to the side, thinking for a few seconds before shaking her head. “I don’t have a preference.”
I pull my phone out to snap a picture of her list for my own reference. Serena’s eyes widen when she hears the camera shutter go off. She grasps my hand, “What are you doing?”
“I need a copy for myself.”
Serena backs away and starts fiddling with her hair tie again. “Right, sorry.”
I glance at her wrist. “Why do you do that?”
Serena’s brown eyes narrow as she tries to understand what I just said. She clears her throat like she’s hesitant to answer.
“I’m sorry–”
“It helps with my anxiety.” Serena answers at the same time. “Or just whenever I’m nervous. I don’t know why.”
“No need to explain yourself,” I say, my hand naturally lifts before I catch myself, realizing it might be too forward. I quickly shift gears. “So, there’s going to be a party tomorrow night. You should come.”
Serena tilts her head slightly, thinking about my offer. She’s still wearing that confused expression from earlier .
“It’s number four on your list.”
“I’m aware.”
“What’s wrong?”
Serena shrugs. “I know it’s on my list, but… parties aren’t something I’m invited to all the time.”
I turn my body, grab both her hands in mine, and look straight into her coffee-colored eyes. “Well, I’m inviting you to come with me.”
“I,” Serena shakes her head, “I don’t know.”
“It’s on your list, don’t miss the chance,” I reply with a grin and a wink, prompting a soft chuckle from her.
“Well, I think I just wrote it because–”
“Because you want to go to one.” I finish her sentence with a raised brow.
“Tyler,” she begins, and I feel my throat tighten as she says my name. “I’m nervous.”
“And that’s okay. It’s okay to be nervous. You can lean on me. I’ll grab you a drink. I’ll wait outside the ridiculously long bathroom line. We can leave when you want to. Bottom line, you’re not alone. ”
Serena holds my gaze the entire time. Her eyes are telling me she’s scared as fuck. Then it flashes. I can’t read the hidden meaning, but my gut is telling me she trusts me.
“Okay.”
“Okay,” I say with a warm smile for her. “I’ll pick you up tomorrow.”
“Are you coming to the game tonight?” Serena asks, her hands slipping away from mine. I ignore the feeling of her hands leaving mine.
“I wasn’t planning to.”
“But?” She arches her brow. “Your friend is literally on the team.”
I lean back in my chair, crossing my arms. “Jared has his own fan club if you haven’t noticed. He doesn’t need me.”
For a second, I think I see a hint of disappointment flash in her eyes. Did she think I wasn’t going at all? I’ve gone to a few football games, but I spend most of my Friday nights with my grandparents or watching Harper, but tonight feels different.
“So, you’re not coming?” She repeats, fiddling with her hair tie again.
Without thinking, I reach out and intertwine my fingers with hers. I feel her body tense slightly at the unexpected touch, but she doesn’t pull away. “I’m coming to the game tonight. ”
A flush of pink escapes her and she unhooks our hands together. The weird empty feeling appears again.
I chuckle while rising from my seat and collecting my belongings. Picking up her bag, I sling it over my shoulder and take the lead as we walk out, a playful grin adorning my face.
Serena hustles alongside me, catching up with my long strides to the athletic center. “What are you smiling about?”
I angle my head towards hers, still sporting my grin. “I can’t help it.”