Waiting on the Sidelines (Waiting on the Sidelines #1)(65)

“Noles, you aren’t 12 any more. You’re 16, almost 17. You’re taller than most of the girls in our class. Your hair makes Sarah, Becky and I so stupid jealous. Your skin is like a baby—seriously, do you even get pimples? You don’t have to wear make up because you already look like one of those ads in the teen magazines for clean skin. You have eyes that can’t hide anything, which as your friend makes it really easy for me to know when you need me,” she kept going, nudging me a little. Then she sat back on the end of her bed, and let out a sigh, almost exasperated.

“Your body is curved in the right places. Unlike me, you actually need to wear a bra for support. You can wear cute little shorts and show your stomach. Yet you don’t show it off and flaunt it like Tatum did. You’re just you, with all of this stuff going on underneath,” she said, waving her hand up and down at me. “And you’re smart. Like, really smart. And you’re so strong. You have no idea how strong you are, Nolan. I’m so envious of you. But I’m so grateful for you, too.”

I turned slowly with a tight smile, a little uncomfortable from all of the flattery but also so grateful to have Sienna in my life. I walked over and slumped on the bed next to her, lying down beside her and staring at the ceiling. After a while of silence, I just said “Thanks.”

“You’re welcome,” she said, giving my hand a squeeze and then we continued to lay there and think. “What are you going to wear on this date?”

I laughed a little. I had no idea.



By the time I showed up for work early Friday morning, my stomach was in knots. Thursday was full of more flirting between Reed and the girl who I now confirmed was named Morgan. Tyler showed up for only the afternoon session. We took our breaks together like normal, but when the work day was over Tyler grabbed his towel and lassoed it around my back and dragged me towards him. I put my hands on his chest, which was spectacular, to stop myself short of making too much contact with him. I was still worrying about Reed seeing me, it seemed.

“Caught you,” he teased with a wry smile.

“It seems you have,” I just smiled back.

“I’ll be back before you’re done with Nancy, ok? Going to head home to grab a change of clothes before dinner. You sure you’re ok driving back late tonight by yourself?” he asked.

“I’m sure,” I nodded and sent him on his way. Truthfully, I wanted to have the ability to high-tail it out of dodge if I had a panic attack, so I wanted to drive myself to wherever we were going.

While I was standing up front waiting for Nancy and her mom I caught a glimpse of Reed walking through the parking lot with Morgan, his hand smack on her ass as he leaned over and kissed the side of her neck. It made me sick. Then I saw him turn to get a glimpse of me, and he nodded just to confirm that we both saw each other, got where we stood. Yeah, I got it. Loud and clear.

My final lesson with Nancy was so touching. She had made me a thank you card and her mom gave me a basket of cookies. I presented her with her diploma. I told her mom I was thinking of going into special education and she encouraged it. The entire thing was so very touching. I hugged them both when they left and smiled as Tyler walked in dressed in a dark pair of jeans and a tight gray T-shirt, his hair neatly combed back, minus the few very sexy strays that were flirting with his face.

“You’re early,” I teased, as I passed him on my way to my car. “I have to change. Mind waiting just a few? My stuff is in the car.”

“I’ve got nowhere I’d rather be,” he said with a devilish smile, sliding on the counter to wait for me. I just smiled back and turned to get my stuff.

I reached through the passenger side back seat to grab my bag and slide it over. When I tilted up I noticed something on my windshield. When I walked to the front to grab it I realized it was a white rose with a small note.



You’re amazing.



That was all it said. I smelled it to take in the sweetness and then placed it safely on the passenger seat of my car. I wasn’t sure when Tyler had left it there, but it was a nice way to start our date. I skipped inside and changed into a knee-length cotton skirt with a soft T and short-sleeved sweater. It was cool for the warm night but would keep me warm if the restaurant was cold.

I followed Tyler a few miles to the busy shopping mall area. We pulled up in front of a restaurant that looked like one of the fanciest places I’d ever seen. My family usually ate out at pizza joints with the occasional family Mexican food place. This place was a steakhouse, Patrick’s Grill & Wine Bar. I was instantly regretting my casual outfit. Fortunately, most of the other diners were dressed similarly, so I was grateful.

I ordered a small steak with vegetables and Tyler ate shrimp. I was nervous throughout the entire meal, which I know Tyler caught on to, because at one point he placed his hand on my knee to stop it from bouncing up and down.

“Are you planning when to bolt on me?” he teased.

“Sorry,” I smiled. “I guess I’m a little nervous. Haven’t really been on a date like this before.” I took a big bite and smiled sideways while I chewed. This just made him laugh a little.

“You’re a hoot,” he said, looking down and picking at his plate some more.

When our meal was over, Tyler insisted we head to a nearby ice cream place for dessert. It was across the street, so we just walked. I was stuffed, but I still managed to find room for a small strawberry ice cream cone. While Tyler was licking his, I had an impulse to tap his elbow just a little, and so I did. He got ice cream on his nose, which put me into hysterics.