Page 57 of Old Acquaintances

He exhaled and nodded.

“Okay, we’re going over to Johnny’s for pictures.”

My mother said, “We’re coming, too!”

“Of course you are,” I said. I took Tucker’s hand, pulling him with me to the door. I kept our hands together as we crossed the front yard to Johnny’s, where our friends were assembling at his front door. Tucker looked at our joined hands several times. He was usually the confident, charming, suave one. I usually needed to be steadied.

Mrs. Wagner said, “Tucker, hop down a step. You’ll towerover everyone. Who’s your date?”

“I am,” I announced.

Johnny’s eyes narrowed. “How did this work out?”

Tucker didn’t answer, just looked at the ground. I stood in front of him while our parents snapped pictures and I muttered, “You can put your hands on me. You actually have permission now.”

His hands hung at his sides. I reached back to grab them and wrapped his arms around me. I heard his breath sharpen and felt his body stiffen. As we dispersed for our separate cars, Lori asked for a few more of just me and Tucker. She wanted one where our heads were aligned. I climbed up two steps and slung my arms around his neck.

“This is the perfect ass-grab moment,” I whispered. “It’s right there.”

His hand brushed against the side of my leg. “If I touch your ass, my mom’s going throw another condom at me.”

I snorted a laugh and settled his hand on my waist. “Thank you for this,” I said. “I’m sure you would rather be here with your girlfriend.”

Tucker’s hand tightened, pulling me closer. His eyes focused on my face. “I’d always rather be with you.”

I smiled. I turned my head and kissed him on the cheek.

He breathed, “You have tostopdoing that.”

Hattie called out, “That’s the one.” She put her phone down with a smirk. “I’ll save that one for your wedding.”

Tucker didn’t relax at the restaurant. In the bathroom, Sarah said, “What’s up with him tonight? He’s so quiet.”

When she and I returned to the table, I realized what was different. In a different setting, he would flick my leg when I walked by or tickle my sides. He would drape his arm across my shoulder, and I’d smack it off. He’d get close to my face, makesome comment about how good my hair smells, tease me about my bare back.

However, tonight he was my date. As I sat in my chair, he sat up stiffly beside me. He didn’t touch me or talk to me, and I ached for it. Despite his strange behavior, I was glad Kyle bailed on me and that Angel broke up with him. Tucker would have spent the whole time glowering at Kyle and I’d spend the whole time uncomfortably watching him with her.

I kept throwing him looks, waiting for him to crack. Before our food came, he finally looked over and asked me, “What?”

I pushed out of my chair and took his hand. “We need to talk.” I dragged him into the hallway bathroom.

He raised his hands, questioning.

“Stop being weird!” I demanded.

Tucker fell back against the opposite wall, rubbing his face. “Well, this situation isweird.”

“Why did you offer to take me if you don’t to be here with me?”

“I do want to be with you!” He sighed. “And I want you to have a nice time, and I’m afraid I’m going to mess it up.”

“How?” I crossed my arms.

He threw me a look. “Tonight isdifferent. We’re not just friends of friends or whatever you like to call it - we’re on a…” He stopped, going rigid.

I inhaled, sharp and surprised. “Are we on a date?”

He stared at the ground.

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