Page 29 of Scoring Chances

We both pretend to be into the movie but I’m acutely aware at just how close she’s gotten. Her knees pulled in and nearly touching my outstretched thigh. I try to ignore the feeling. I really do. But it’s like the constant humming of a live wire. It’s there even if I try to ignore it.

I find myself leaning into her. Trying to capture even the smallest whiff of her floral shampoo.

And it’s a special kind of torture I put myself through.

“You awake?” her voice breaks through my thoughts.

I shift to look at her and swallow, “Yeah.”

“Can I ask you something?”

I look at her and nod.

“Will you teach me to drive like that?”

My eyes flick to the screen. “Like… that?”

A small grin stretches across her face. “I’ve played it safe my whole life. And I think I’m ready for something totally different.”

“So you want to learn to drift?” I ask, incredulously.

She bites her lip and nods excitedly.

“What happened to Cassidy? Did you leave her at the party, Princess?”

She leans in more.

“Cassidy… is ready for a change.”

“Okay.” I stand up and reach a hand down to her.

“Wh–what are you doing?”

“Come on. I’m going to teach you.”

“Now?” she looks around at the sleeping kids.

“Cole’s here. They’re fine. We won’t go far.”

She hesitates as I continue to hold my hand out. Then she takes it and I pull her out of the reclining chair she’s sunken into.

“You might want to put on some real shoes,” I say, looking down at her fluffy pink slippers.

“Only if you agree to put a shirt on,” she says, eyeing my chest.

“No guarantees.”

“Why?” she protests.

“Because, I like making you uncomfortable.”

She rolls her eyes but follows me out into the hallway.

“Okay, ease your foot off the clutch at the same time you're putting more power on the gas.”

We’re on an upward hill. Cassidy’s worst nightmare. But it’s midnight. Most people are asleep, and it’s as good a time as any to help her conquer her fears.

“Slow, Princess.”