Page 135 of Pride High 2: Orange

“I don’t think so,” she said, feigning confusion. “We only have the one globe you just saw. I just assumed every city was the size of a black dot.”

Troy laughed. “Is this a cool place to live?”

“Pride?” she asked. “I think so. It has a little of everything, and Kansas City isn’t far away.”

“Would you mind showing me around sometime?”

“Not at all,” Mindy said. “What did you like doing back home?”

“Bowling is fun,” Troy said.

“We have that,” she assured him.

“Great! How about Friday night?”

She glanced over at him in surprise, and to her absolute horror, spoke the first question that sprang to mind. “Are you asking me on a date?”

Troy grinned. “Yeah.”

Mindy’s cheeks flushed. “That’s fast!”

Troy shrugged easily. “I’m going be a racecar driver someday. Fast is kind of my thing.”

Sure, but they barely knew each other. Then she thought of all the other girls that Troy would soon notice. And who would notice him. If she waited, he’d become yet another unavailable guy. She imaged watching from a distance as he gave a corsage to some other girl before the prom. Mindy didn’t want to miss her chance. And besides, she had all week to get to know him before they went on their date.

“Okay,” she said. “Friday night.”

Mindy almost asked him to promise that he wouldn’t change his mind, before deciding it would be too pathetic.

“Really?” Troy asked, as if he also couldn’t believe his luck. “That’s great! When should I pick you up? And where?”

They talked details as she guided him to his next class, and when they stopped next to the door, it felt like they had already been on that date and might kiss.

“I have to get to my next class,” she said.

“Want me to walk you there?” he offered.

“Not unless you want to be late for yours.”

“I’d probably get lost on the way back anyway,” he admitted. His blue-grey eyes were shining. “I’m so glad we met. I was dreading this day during the entire holiday. But now…” He laughed and shook his head. “I’m kind of glad I moved here.”

That was sweet! Mindy placed her hand on his forearm as she said goodbye and felt lightheaded when walking away. She finally knew what it felt like to be swept off her feet!

* * January 6th, 1993 * *

Ricky was eager for his therapy session to begin. Which was ironic, considering how much he’d dreaded his first few appointments with Dr. Sharma. Now he looked forward to talking to her. He watched as she poured herself a cup of coffee. Her slender frame was elegant, her movements precise while still at ease. She spoke in the same manner, dishing out wisdom seemingly without effort. Which was great, because he was in need of wise counsel.

“Did you enjoy the holidays?” Dr. Sharma asked as she settled down in the chair across from his.

“Yeah,” Ricky said before he resumed nibbling on his bottom lip.

“You went to Seattle to visit your grandparents, didn’t you? That must have been exciting.”

“Hmm? Oh right. It was nice.”

“People often find the holidays overwhelming. The extra stress can make it difficult to deal with ongoing issues. How did you fare? Any depression? Or suicidal thoughts?”

He shook his head instantly. “Nothing like that.”