Between You & Me by Marisa Calin

since he seems to be waiting. Being around him makes me nervous, maybe because I still find the line between him and his character a little hazy. Maybe because he’s always smiling and stands really close so that when I look up at him my chin practically rests on his chest. As it does now:
    ME
    Hey.
    I am super-aware of the closeness. His T-shirt smells unexpectedly nice. When we’re next to each other he has a good six inches on me and seems to enjoy it. I feel safe in scenes with him at least, like he won’t forget the words because they’re his own. But in these unscripted moments, I’m more nervous …
    Case in point:
OUTSIDE PEELE’S. EARLY EVENING.
    There’s something about Gabe. He didn’t ask me out like other people have, he kind of told me we had a date and I never corrected him. It’s a refreshing change and even though I’m not sure it’s a good idea, here I am! He swept me up in the idea, saying that it would help us get into character, which kind of makes sense. And with Ryan’s comment in the hall, I didn’t think it would hurt. Gabe met me after my shift, in a crisply pressed shirt—cute—and so far, I’ve had a surprisingly good time. You have karate tonight, so I haven’t even had the chance to tell you I’m here with him yet. I have thought about Mia once or twice but otherwise I’m all here.
    It’s getting dark earlier, and fairy lights frame the windows of Peele’s. Gabe is standing as close as usual and I can actually see the lights glinting in his eyes. As we walk, he’s finding reason to be near me. He makes a joke
semi
at my expense so he can playfully push me and when I go flying he pulls me in toward him like a yo-yo. Aside from this athletic flirting, I like how I feel around him—girlish, desired, and I can’t remember feeling that recently. The street is empty and the sun is setting so that everything glows amber. I’m thinking about making some comment about it but, when I turn around, he takes my face in his hands and kisses me! It’s firm and warm. I think I make a small noise, more from surprise than enjoyment. Not that I’m not enjoying it but my heart isn’t beating out of my chest as even my imaginationcan cause it to. There are no fireworks, no butterflies. It’s nice but just not quite right. Putting my hands against his chest, I gently push away. He smiles.
    GABE
    Sorry, misread the moment maybe?
    ME
    Yep!
    A semi-awkward, interesting pause.
    Sorry. I like you, Gabe, and it’s nice to have spent time together, but …
    GABE
    Say no more, babe.
    There’s the “babe” I was expecting!
    ME
    Really? So we’re okay.
    GABE
    Sure.
    That was easy. He’s still relaxed, smiling! Maybe it’s a girl thing to die of embarrassment after suddenly kissing someone. (And a normal thing!) Guys have it easy. When they’renot embarrassed, it actually seems less embarrassing.
I kissed you. So what’s the problem?
I feel a smile tug at the corner of my mouth as I imagine just kissing people when I wanted to. There’d be mayhem.
    He’s still gazing at me and I picture us silhouetted in the fading light. If only it was the most magical moment of my life. He looks like he might tuck a strand of hair behind my ear if one were going rogue but fortunately I’m uncharacteristically put together and he settles for running a fingertip under my chin.
    GABE
    I just looked at you, and the way you looked against the sunset, I knew I had to kiss you.
    I’m torn between laughing out loud at the extreme schmaltz, and kissing him again. He hasn’t stepped away and I wouldn’t have to move far to be touching him. Part of me considers it: letting him press into me with his soft mouth and firm body, because he makes me feel sexy … feminine. But that’s not a good enough reason.
    ME
    Sweet talk will get you nowhere, pal.
    No one’s said