Page 20 of Anytime I Want

“For the List? Never.” Nathan reaches down to grab something out of his bag.

“No, seriously. We’ll get a group together—me, you, Fletch, Chloe, Julia, Josie, whoever else you want. We need to go paintballing, and we need at least eight people.”

Nathan holds his hands up in protest. “I love paintballing, but really, I helped you with one date, and I delivered a note. I think I’ve done my best friend/brother duty to bring happiness to you both. I’m out. Besides, if I keep playing Cupid, it’ll get weird.”

“Yeah, you are absolutely not out. Remember: scholarships, college, recommendations, whatever. We get out early on Friday. Let’s go then. Then we’ll get pizza. Tell people.” I’m bouncing on the balls of my feet, unable to stop moving. I’m too excited to stay still. “See ya later. I’ve got a note to write and an invitation to give.”

“Graham! Come back. This is your class,” Nathan yells as I run out the door.

I squeak to a stop. “Right. After school.” I walk back in and give my teacher my most charming smile. “So happy to be here, ma’am. Let’s learn together.”

***

Julia

Graham

Friday afternoon. Date #2. Me. You. Paintballing.

Julia

Yes. Are we on opposite teams? Do I get to shoot you?

Graham

Sure, we can be opposite teams but I’m pretty sure you want to be with me. Ya know, so you can win.

Julia

Haha! You’re right, I do want to win. Let’s be on the same team. What time?

Graham

4pm. Afterwards, we’ll get pizza.

Also, check outside your door. See ya tomorrow.

I open my front door to a bouquet of sunflowers and roses interspersed with lollipops and one folded note stuck behind a tag. The tag says,Number 11. ;)

“Those are beautiful!” Mom says, leaning over my shoulder. “Who are they from?”

“Graham.” I can feel my cheeks flush.

“Really? When did this start?”

“When did what start?” I ask innocently.

“Graham, giving you flowers. And what does number eleven mean?”

I twist the bouquet, crinkling the plastic and breaking some of the greenery. “Remember that list I used to carry around all the time? When I was, like, seven?”

Mom takes the flowers out of my hands, keeping eye contact. “Sure. Your boyfriend list. It was adorable. I love that you’ve always loved love.”

“Well, Graham told me that he could finish the list by Christmas, and if he does, then he gets to be my boyfriend.”

Mom raises her eyebrow. Just one. I’ve always wished I could do that. “Whose idea was this? I’m not in love with how you phrased this.”

“Mom, come on. Imagine if I were the main character in one of those books you read. Wouldn’t it be a great plot?”

---