Smart, I thought.
The coast is clear, I typed back.
Wanted to make sure you are OK. I would’ve texted earlier.
I’m OK. Thank you.
A pause and then he started typing again.
Do you want to run lines today after school?
Was this code for something else, I wondered? It didn’t matter. I just wanted to see him.
He’s leaving. Be smart. Don’t try to crawl your way out of the darkness by falling for some guy who can’t be with you.
My fingers flew as I typed a text. Love to. Where?
The same place as last time?
I remember. 3:00?
CU then.
A text from a boy I liked, and I had to delete the entire thread.
“I need two little favors,” I told Angie after school. “I’m meeting Isaac at the amphitheater to run lines.”
“Is run lines code for sex and no one told me?”
A shiver slipped down my spine but it was a heated one, not icy.
“It’s code for running lines. Can you cover me?”
“Cover you how? Put a mannequin with long blonde hair in the passenger seat of my car and drive around town?”
“Now that you mention it…” I grinned. “Just tell anyone who asks we’re studying together.”
“Oh my God.” She pinched my cheek. “Look at that smile. You love him.”
“What? I do not.”
“Mm. And I’m not the best friend anyone could hope for.”
“Just let me be a little bit happy about this right now, okay?” I said. “He’s leaving in a few months, and at the very least, I want to make this experience with the play special.”
“Okay, Holloway,” Angie said. “I got you covered. But girl, this town is small and Isaac Pearce is big. He gets noticed and if you’re seen together…”
“I’ll be careful,” I said and kissed her cheek. “You’re the best.”
“That’s the word on the street. What’s the second favor?”
“I need a ride to the amphitheater, like right now.”
She sighed for five whole seconds and rolled her eyes. “Oh woe is me, woe is me, my kingdom for a car for my friend.” She slung her arm around my shoulder. “Come on princess, let’s hit the road.”
I got to the amphitheater first. I climbed up on the cement block and sat, waiting, remembering the feel of Isaac’s hands when he helped me down. Hoping he’d do it again today.
“Hey.” Isaac stood at the northern edge of the theater. He wore jeans that looked new, a white T-shirt and a hoodie with the hood pulled up. He had a backpack slung over his shoulder.