Page 58 of The Dance

While we ate, I told her he was putting me up in a hotel where the party would be held. That made me feel safer because if anything were to happen, I could run to my room. We talked about me driving safely and everything else she would worry about as a mother. I also told her how Eddie had some connection with the pop star Maze and could maybe help me out.

“Really?”

“I don’t know how exactly, but that’s what he said.”

“Wow, that could be amazing.”

“Yeah. It would be a dream come true.”

She grinned. “I guess you’re right. You getting a flat tire was a good thing.”

* * *

Unknown: It was good seeing you today. Here’s the info for the party.

A picture was attachedthat had the time, date, location, and dress code for the New Year’s Eve party.

I saved Eddie’s contact info and texted back:

Dweeb, is that you? ??

Eddie: You still think I’m a dork?

Me: No but I had to make sure it was you since I didn’t have your number.

Eddie: Well, you have it now.

Me: So I do.

A few minutes passed before he texted again.

Eddie: Are you going back to Houston on the 26th?

Me: Yeah.

Eddie: Let’s meet up again before you leave.

I smiled as I replied:

Okay.

* * *

We madeplans for Eddie to pick me up for breakfast the morning after Christmas. As I was getting ready, my mom knocked on my bedroom door.

“Getting ready for your date?” She grinned.

I snorted. “It’s not a date.”

“Pretty sure it is,” she teased.

I rolled my eyes and shooed her. “It’s just two old friends going to breakfast.”

“You two weren’t friends.”

That was true. I was a cheerleader who hung around athletes, and Eddie did whatever he did with his nerdy friends.

“Well, we’re older now, and he bought me coffee. I can be friendly with him. I don’t have many of those anymore.”