Love Bites

School ended for the summer and the teens went out more often. One night in the park, the five of them stopped near a concession stand because Abby was thirsty. Kayla volunteered to go get her something since she still felt uncomfortable being the only single person there.

As she stood in line, a group of rowdy kids got into line behind her and during some horseplay, one of them pushes Kayla into the person in front of her.

He turned around to look at her and she quickly tried to explain. “I’m sorry. Some jackass behind me…” She glanced over her shoulder at the group of kids, “… pushed me into you.”

The boy looked her up and down, and said, “Too bad you don’t know who did it. I’d like to thank him.”

Surprised, she finally took a look at the guy she was pushed into. She guessed he was about her age, six feet tall and well built. Under the stands florescent lighting, she could make out his pale gray eyes, under short dark brown hair with frosted tips that were almost white.

He extended his hand and said, “My name is Dallas. Dallas Demarco.”

Still embarrassed, she took his hand and replied, “Kayla Hudson.”

“So, Kayla Hudson, what are you doing in the park at night alone?”

“Oh, I’m not alone,” she explained. “I’m here with my friends and my brother.”

“Ah, had to drag your brother along on a date?”

She reddened slightly, and said, “Actually it’s the other way around.”

He winced and said, “Sorry. I just assumed someone as pretty as you are, would be out on a date.”

She continued to blush and felt her ears get hot, but just shrugged.

He continued. “Well, how about this. Next time they go out, you invite me along and we’ll balance out the odd number.”

She hesitated, so he added, “Or not. I didn’t mean to be so forward.”

Becoming emboldened, she replied, “Sorry, you just took me by surprise. I think I’d like that. How about Friday? We’re supposed to go out to the movies in the afternoon and then have dinner afterwards.”

“Friday it is then,” he said.

“But I have to warn you it’ll be with two other couples, not just one. So, six of us.”

“Even better,” he told her. They exchanged numbers and getting Abby’s drink, Kayla returned to the group. When she got back, she gave Abby her drink and said, “Guess what?’

“What?” Abby asked.

Kayla kissed Abby’s cheek and said, “Thanks to you and a group of tards, I have a date Friday!”

Both Abby and Lily squeal and start quizzing her about what happened, who he was, and what he looked like. She patiently told them all the details while the boys stood around, both bored and relieved. Cory hoped she found someone who would make her happy.

They all celebrated by going and having ice cream before calling it a night.

On Thursday, Kayla called Dallas and gave him the information for the following day. He assured her he was looking forward to it and would meet them at the movie theater a half hour early, so they would have plenty of time to get snacks and find seats.

After ending the call, Kayla told Cory, “I’m excited. He didn’t even ask what movie we were going to see, he just agreed to it.”

“I’m glad sis.”