Wishing for Someday Soon by Tiffany King Page B

hand, I wanted to see him and not riding the bus was definitely a perk, but on the other hand, he was making it hard for me to keep our relationship casual. “Isn’t it way out of your way?” I asked, trying to throw up a roadblock.
    “No, I actually pass your place on my way to school every day.”
    I mulled over his words as I dumped the water from the spaghetti noodles down the drain.
    “Okay,” I said, finally conceding.
    Max whooped with delight at my words. “Great, I'll pick you guys up at eight fifteen,” he said before hanging up.
    The dial tone filled my ear and I slowly put the phone back on its cradle. I grimaced at my lack of willpower. I knew I was playing with fire by letting him get so close, but I couldn’t help the draw I felt toward him. He was unlike any guy I had ever known.
    ***
    True to his word, Max pulled up into the driveway at eight fifteen on the nose the following morning. Jim had already left for his new job as a day laborer at some construction company, so Max pulled into the space closest to the door.
    Kevin and I bounded down the stairs before he could even put the vehicle in park.
    “I would've come to the door,” Max said as we climbed into the car.
    “That’s okay, we were ready,” I said, glancing back at Kevin to make sure he was buckled in.
    The ride to school went fast as Kevin and Max chatted away like long-lost friends. I tuned out most of their conversation once it turned back to superheroes, which became a very popular topic for them the rest of the week. The daily commuting kept me in a happy bubble, discovering new things about Max every minute we were together.
    We also had our math tutoring time twice a week. Staying focused on algebra proved to be a challenge, spending that kind of intimate alone time without our other friends around. I noticed small little habits he had that made him even more endearing. Like the way he would rake his fingers through his hair when he was trying to get a point across, or how he had a dozen different smiles that all kept my heart beating erratically, especially when they were directed solely at me.
    “What time should I pick you up tomorrow?” Max asked as we headed toward his car on Friday afternoon with Kevin bringing up the rear.
    “Um, five should be okay,” I answered, climbing into the vehicle as he held the door open for me. “Lucinda's supposed to take me shopping tomorrow, and it shouldn’t take too long to find a dress.”
    “I wouldn’t be so sure of that. Before my sister headed off to college, she could make dress shopping an all-day affair.”
    “Well, I’m pretty decisive.”
    “Max, can I play on your iPhone?” Kevin asked as per usual on the drive.
    “Actually, buddy, look on the seat beside you, in that case,” Max said, pointing to a black leather case on the seat. “It’s my iPad. I thought you might like the bigger screen better.”
    “Sweeeeeeeet,” Kevin said, dragging out the word as he turned on the electronic device. For someone without any tech experience, Kevin had become a pro in the short week Max had been chauffeuring us around.
    “Katelyn, look how awesome this is,” he said, holding it up so I could see the large screen.
    “Neato, bud, but make sure you’re careful with that. Those things cost a lot.”
    “I will,” he promised as he clicked onto his new favorite game.
    “Don’t worry,” Max said, watching me keep an eye on him. “It’s been sitting on my desk untouched for the last six months. It was cool at first, but between my iPhone and laptop, I really don’t have much time for it.”
    “Still, be careful,” I told Kevin.
    Max grinned at me.
    “What?” I asked.
    “Sometimes you sound just like an adult.”
    “Is that a bad thing?” I asked, feeling a slightly paranoid.
    “No, it’s a good thing. Matter of fact, it’s one of my favorite things about you. I like how you never seem to worry about the things girls our age normally harp on.”
    “Like