Page 58 of The Frathole

We get our things together and head out to TaskFrat.

Sigma Alpha stomps our asses, and then we meet at Alpha Theta Mu for afters. I chat up my friends for a bit before receiving a text from Ryan that it’s time for my lesson.

On my way to find him and Gisele in the living area of Alpha Theta Mu, I can still feel the twist in my gut, like I had the first time, though it’s not as bad. Probably because this time, I know what to expect, and also because Ryan’s definitely improved my confidence about my kissing skills.

As I near, Ryan’s expression stretches into a grin—like when he sees one of his buddies. Never before for me. And I wouldn’t say we’re friends just yet, but it does make me wonder, considering what we’ve been up to, if maybe we’re on the way there. Still, if he thinks I’m letting him get away with breaking rules because we’re make-out buddies, he’s got another thing coming.

I settle beside Ryan, and Gisele angles her head in a way that’s particularly flattering, offering a warm smile. Is this an acting bit for her? She did say she liked me, and she is hot, so maybe this wasn’t the worst idea Ryan could have come up with.

“How’ve you been?” she asks.

“Good. Sorry about last time. I was surprised, and then…” I shrug.

“You don’t owe me an explanation. And I’m here now. Happy to help.” She rests her hand on my arm, which catches me off guard. Though it’s nice.

Ryan’s expression turns from playful to serious in an instant as he reaches over, swatting the air near her arm. “Okay, none of this. He needs to learn to initiate.”

She removes her hand. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interfere with your process.”

“It’s not a big deal,” he says, but judging by his tone, he’s not entirely sincere. “Okay, so just like last time. Mart, you approachand start engaging. And I’ll coach you through a conversation.” He motions for me to go.

“Oh, you wanted me to actually pretend the whole bit?”

“It’ll help you get into the scene,” Gisele assures me.

I wish I’d been less in my head the last time we did this. She’s really friendly, and I like how she gives a damn and tries to set me at ease.

I step away a few feet and reapproach, working my way through the greeting part.

“Nice work, Mart,” Ryan says in a way I’m sure he’s heard from coaches throughout his life.

He encourages us to bring up different topics, and Gisele tells me about her major, a little about her family, and that she’s apparently into gardening like Dad, which is a great conversational bit for us to roll with.

“Okay, now move a little closer,” Ryan directs.

As I step toward her, she sizes me up. If this is acting, fuck, give her the Academy Award.

“Not this close yet,” Ryan intervenes once again. “Give her some breathing room.”

“How close do you mean, then?”

“Like an inch less?”

I’m a good bit from her, so that seems silly, but he’s the teacher, so I follow his instruction.

“I don’t think that was too close,” Gisele interjects, earning a glare from Ryan, who seems a lot testier tonight than last time we attempted this. Although, I remind myself that at the time he didn’t know his parents were planning to divorce, so he’s got a lot going on.

“Who’s the director here?” he asks.

Gisele laughs. “I was trying to offer some creative input.”

“Noted,” Ryan says, “but he needs to get this right if he’s gonnastand a chance in the wild.”

“Okay, okay,” she says, clearly trying to placate him. She turns to me and widens her eyes. They seem to say,He seems like a lot, and I can’t help smiling, since that’s usually the way people look to others when they’re dealing with me.

We continue working through the scene until I get a little closer.

“Now you’re gonna go in for the kiss,” Ryan instructs.