Page 12 of Body Shot

“You think he’s afraid that Johan won’t like it?”

‘I don’t think so. Johan is very chill about stuff like that.”

“Is it possible…” I can’t believe I’m about to say this. “He’s just not into you?”

She nods. “It is. But he’s sending mixed signals. Like he put his arm around me at the fireworks show we went to a few weeks ago. But then nothing. So I don’t know and it’s driving me nuts.”

“He’s kind of…” I gaze in the direction where Felix has just put some kind of white cream on his nose. “Dorky.”

“I know. But he’s got a smokin’ hot body and underneath the goofy exterior, he’s really nice. Like, genuinely nice. Funny. Completely confident in himself and his career and his place on the team.”

“So why don’t you ask him out?” I suggest.

“I don’t know.” It’s not like Hana to be unsure of herself. “Something tells me not to.”

“Oh.” I’m the last person someone should ask for relationship advice considering I basically have zero experience with it.

I’ve never really had a boyfriend.

Just one disaster of a college fling.

I’ve gone out on a handful of dates but nothing I would consider fun or worth repeating.

I’m spectacularly unsure of myself, but I’ve never seen it in Hana.

“You could tell him you like him,” I say. “You know, like, drop some hints, see what happens.”

“I have. And he hasn’t taken the bait.”

“Well, you’re running out of time to make things happen. You’re only here another week.”

“I know, but you and I have plans, and frankly, I’m not going to chase him. He doesn’t seem interested, so I’m just going to live my life. Not much I can do.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s all right.”

“Here you go.” Anders appears with a plate piled high with food.

“Oh, my God.” I burst out laughing.

There’s a hamburger, a hot dog, potato salad, grilled corn, and a handful of veggies.

“I figured I’d bring you a variety,” he says.

“Well, thank you.”

“Where’s mine?” Hana playfully complains.

“Tell me what you want,” Anders says politely.

“Oh, I’m kidding!”

“I’m not. I’ll get you a plate. Same thing I got for Claudia?”

Hana is momentarily surprised but then nods. “Yes. Thank you.”

“Be right back.”

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