Page 121 of Pride High 3: Yellow

“As long as you’re paying, I can’t complain.”

“That hasn’t stopped you all week.” Keisha winked at her. “Be right back.”

She rapped on the counter with her knuckles and walked outside, pausing on the sidewalk to soak up some sun. Then she went into the café and got in line. She was humming along to the song playing over the store speakers when the person in front of her turned around. After a jolt of recognition, Keisha grinned broadly.

“Hope Song! Don’t you look lovely today?”

Hope glanced down at herself. She was wearing a loose T-shirt and a pair of nylon athletic shorts. “Are you making fun of me?”

“Nope,” Keisha said, noticing that her short hair was pulled back into a mini ponytail, like she needed to keep it out of her eyes while doing something active. She smelled like sunshine and freshly cut grass. “Between you and me,” Keisha said in confiding tones, “I’ve always felt that you’re prettier than your sister.”

“But we’re identical!”

“Not in my eyes.” Was there anything more fun than flirting with a straight girl? Although, after witnessing a blush, Keisha decided to tone it down before she outed herself. “What have you been up to today?”

“Playing soccer.”

“Really? I didn’t realize that you’re on a team.”

Hope shook her head. “I’m not. I just play with friends.”

“Wow. I didn’t think there was anybody more energetic than yours truly, but you might have me beat.”

Hope smiled, like it was a compliment. “Do you play?”

“I like a little of everything,” Keisha said enigmatically. “I’m not usually into sports, but if you’re asking if I want to kick the ball around sometime, I’d give it a try.”

Hope looked her over. Keisha was wearing a tight long-sleeved T-shirt in lavender and a pair of purple pants that ended in yellow rubber boots. “Probably not today,” she said, recognizing that she didn’t have the appropriate outfit on.

“I love the way you dress,” Hope said.

“Thanks!”

“Do you know what you’re getting?” Hope asked, gesturing at the counter behind her.

“Nah. I always decide at the last minute. Keeps it interesting.”

Hope studied the menu before turning to her again. “I really liked dancing with you.”

She was referring to the Friday before the break, when they had stayed late to work on choreography. “I don’t know why,” Keisha replied. “There’s nothing I can teach you and your sister. You both have amazing moves.”

“I didn’t mean the practicing part,” Hope said with another blush. She faced the front again, her head tilted upward, toward the menu.

Keisha stared at the back of her neck in confusion while trying to make sense of the comment. Hope claimed to like dancing with her, but not for the practice? She struggled to interpret that in a way that wasn’t flirtatious. Keisha had taken the role of the dance partner she would have on stage, and yeah, it had been fun. Perhaps that’s all she meant. Although it didn’t hurt to state the truth in return. “I liked it too.”

“Really?” Hope said, turning around to search her eyes.

“Really,” Keisha said while staring into them.

Hope smiled tentatively.

“Can I take your order?” the man behind the counter said to get her attention.

“Yes!” Hope said, spinning around. “I’d like four Italian sodas.”

That had to be a sign! Then again, Keisha knew the dangers of rushing in based on an assumption alone. Although ithadpaid off with Silvia. As much as it could anyway.

Hope finished her order and stood to one side to wait.