Page 92 of Shifted

“Wait, I don’t-”

“That’s beside the point!” Shit, see, I was already self-destructing.

“We’ll get back to the toothbrush thing later. But first, I’d like to take you out on a date.” Something could hit me over the head, and I’d still be standing like a deer in the headlights. Now, I was really beginning to blink.

“What are you doing?” he asked.

“A date?” I say, confused, “Theo, I thought we were friends…”

“We have never been friends, and you know that... Is it my sister? Or is it just me…” A look of realization fills his face, and then he looks slightly embarrassed. “God Hope, I’m so sorry, I just thought.”

“Correctly, you thought correctly. I’d love to go on a date.” He looks back up at me again, this time relieved with a smile. “I like Italian food and love pizza… and all things fall. Take that into consideration with this date.”

“You like cheese and hate any other toppings, as well as thin crust, and you’d murder me if it were from a chain. Fall decorations are scattered around Boston, especially towards Faneuil Hall. So, the North End might be our last resort?” Trying to hide my smile didn’t do me any favors because it was nearly impossible, especially when his hand squeezed mine slightly, and I turned away, catching the glance of those three girls.

“How about we go on that date now?” I asked, looking back at him. He peered over my shoulder, curious. " Save me?” I pleaded.

“Only if I get a second date, Taylor.” His fingers brushed through my hair once more and moved down to my waist, holding me in place.

“I think that could be arranged… but you are already a little late for your first. I'm pretty sure we should’ve started walking two minutes ago. Have you ever been on a date before, Theo?”

“Have you, Hope?” Now I began to walk with my lips sucked in with embarrassment.

“Nope,” I muttered, waiting for him to tease me.

“Well… at least this will be your last first one.”

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