Page 26 of The Love Interest
“No way, Caden. I just had an idea. Why don’t I meet you at your place and then we can walk together? It can’t be far. Plus, this way, I can show you how much the town has changed while you’ve been gone! It’ll be great, it’s so pretty at night. So are you in?”
“Sounds perfect.”
“Great, see you tonight.”
***
I stare at my closet.
What should I wear?
Kaylee huffs.Didn’t you get my e-mail? You need to check those. Wear slacks, the black shoes that aren’t school shoes, and the white long-sleeved shirt with the white buttons. You know, the nice one. Leave the top two buttons unbuttoned, show her a little bit of man-cleavage. Is your chest still hairless?
I peek down my shirt. The skin there is smooth.
Sure is.
Good. Then maybe undo the third button accidentally or something.
You think she’ll like me if she thinks I can’t dress myself?
I think she’ll think you’re hot, and honey, that never hurts. But fair point.
I get dressed in the outfit she told me to wear. I undo only the top button.
Make your hair neater. Actually, I’ve changed my mind about the buttons, do them all up. You’re about to meet her parents, so you need to look extra presentable. Still sexy, though, like a hot businessman. Also, no pressure, but you need to make sure they like you, otherwise this whole thing is over. Juliet isn’t going to side with a Nice who her parents don’t like.
I grab a comb and run it through my hair, parting it to one side, ensuring it’s pressed down over my scalp.
Is there a script for this?
Nope, there are too many variables to predict the conversation. I e-mailed you a few conversation starters, but for the most part, you’re alone. Anyway, are you ready to go?
I glance at my phone. It’s 6:05.
We’re meeting at 6:30, Kaylee.
So? You’re a Nice, you need to show up early. Now get that fine body of yours out there and wait like a proper gentleman!
I ruffle the shirt to show off my chest.My man-cleavage.I snort as I step into the hallway. I stop, and then turn around and grab my iPod, figuring that if I’m going to wait, I may as well listen to music. Plus, the right songs will be like a last-minute pep rally for myself. I tuck the iPod into my pocket and leave my room.
In the living room, M and D are sitting in front of the TV watching the news. The sight of M makes me wonder about female Love Interests. We were kept separately, obviously, so I don’t know much about them. My guess is that they’re pretty similar to male Love Interests, only they were trained to attract men, not women.
D turns in his seat. “Where are you going?”
“Juliet invited me over.”
“Use a condom.” He scratches his chin, which is covered in prickly regrowth. A river of dried pasta sauce runs from the corner of his mouth to his jaw. “Or don’t. Knock her up for all I care. That’ll probably force her to pick you. And that’s all you want, isn’t it?”
M doesn’t even look up from the TV.
I stop in front of the door and wave. “Bye.”
They ignore me.
Outside, I tuck my hands into my pockets, protecting them from the slight chill in the air, and jog through the front yard. She’s not here yet, obviously, so I sit down and lean my back against the streetlight outside my house. The metal is cold and the grass is damp. I pull out my iPod and put my still-slightly-tangled headphones in. I go straight to pop Nicki, because while I like her other stuff, I need something upbeat and energetic right now. The song I choose is “Va Va Voom,” because the beat is so fast and it’s so good and it always makes me feel unstoppable. It’s a hit of sugar, a sip of soda. It’s sweet, delicious musical candy.
The chorus hits and I lean my head back. So this is it, my first maybe-date with my Chosen. My whole life has been leading to this moment. All my training, everything I’ve gone through, it’s all been to turn me into a guy who can sweep Juliet off her feet. I…
