He lowers his eyes. “I was wrong, and I’m sorry.”

I worry my lip. Fold my arms more tightly around my body.

“We can do whatever you want,” he says. “I only want to spend time with you.”

The moon disappears behind a cloud, leaving his face in shadow. He’s scared I’ll say no. I should say no. I should use my Friday night to practice, just like I’ve been doing every other night. But I’m interested to know how far Jesse will go to spend time with me.

“I want to see a movie,” I announce.

“You probably want to see Hot Wired, right? The car chases look awes—”

“I want to see The Commander in Chief Who Loved Me.”

His nose crinkles. I don’t blame him. I don’t have any interest in seeing it either—it’s a romantic comedy about political rivals who fall for each other on the presidential campaign trail. I just want to know if he will see it. Of course I would rather see Hot Wired, which is about stealing fancy cars, explosions, sex, and stealing even fancier cars.

“I can probably get it,” he says.

“What do you mean you can get it? You mean tickets?”

“No, I mean I’ll have Gina or Tracy get a copy of the movie, and we can watch it in my home theater.”

Of course he’d be able to get a copy of a movie that hasn’t come out yet, and he doesn’t even have to download it illegally.

I appreciate that he drove to Franklin because he missed me. But if we’re going to see a movie, we’re gonna do it on my terms. If he wants a real life, I’ll give him one.

“I want to see it in an actual theater. And I want to invite Dave and Xander. We’ll double.”

Jesse swallows hard. “We can do that.”

“Text me with the details.” I turn on my heels and march toward the front door. My dad’s gonna kill me, but I won’t give Jesse the satisfaction of helping me get back in the window.

Love Is a Battlefield

“Just act normal.”

“You’re asking me to do the impossible,” Dave complains. “I don’t see how you can act normal around him.”

That’s a fair statement. Jesse and I have been texting on and off for the past couple of days, but I haven’t caught my breath since he showed up at my window.

Tonight, I may get so nervous that I spill my Coke or drop popcorn down inside my top. Oh God, is my red leather halter cut too low? I look down to make sure I’m not wardrobe-malfunctioning.

Xander opens the door for Dave and me, and we walk inside the theater, which smells of popcorn and nachos. Gazing around, I anxiously adjust my bracelets. There he is.

Jesse is holding court by a cardboard display for an animated movie about a bicycle that wishes it were a car. If Jesse were any other guy, he’d be standing alone, probably checking his cell or deciding which candy to buy at the concession stand. But no. He’s surrounded by girls and signing shirts and napkins with a Sharpie. Some girl yanks the collar of her shirt down and motions for Jesse to sign her chest. With barely a glance, he turns away to sign a little girl’s popcorn bag.

One point for Jesse.

The hulking security guard from the booth outside Jesse’s house stands sentry over the group of girls. I never imagined I’d go to a movie with a guy and his security detail. How romantic.

Xander grabs my elbow. “Are we sure Jesse isn’t bi?”

“I told you, I’m much more his type than you are,” Dave tells him.

“Keep it in your pants, boys,” I say, pulling down on my white skirt that won’t stop riding up.

When Jesse looks up and sees me, a true smile breaks across his freckled face. The crowd around him parts like the Red Sea as he makes his way over and hugs me.

“Awww!” The younger girls gossip about how romantic we are.

“It’s so good to see you,” Jesse whispers in my ear, making me shiver.

“You too.” I gently pull away from him and turn to face my friends as Jesse places a warm hand on my lower back. “You remember Dave and Xander?”

“I do.” He reaches out to shake their hands.

Dave squeaks out a “Hi!”

“It’s nice seeing you again,” Jesse says, sounding as awkward as my preacher when he greets me after services. (My nose ring mixed with poor church attendance make for a sin cocktail.) At least I know Jesse doesn’t care that we’re doubling with two gay guys; he’s nervous because he doesn’t hang out with people his own age that often.

“You brought your security guard?” I whisper.