Love Notes

Chapter 14-Charlie



As I walk to choir class, I’m still recalling the moment of Maverick reeling me back in and the sweet, chaste kiss he gave my forehead. Just thinking about him causes shivers to race down my body and causes goose bumps to rise up all over my arms. I have no idea why I feel like this or what it is. I just know that I like how he makes me feel.

My thoughts drift to being asked out on a date and what the hell my dad is going to have to say about it. It scares the living shit out of me, truth be told. I’m not sure of his reaction and what he may say or do to torture me. Because that’s what it is–torture. I also know for a fact that he will not let me go out with anyone, until he meets them first, which will probably mean dinner at the house. The thought makes me physically ill. I think I may be sick. I’m scared as hell about what he could or will say. That whatever my dad says, will be something that Maverick may actually believe. He might see all of the horrible things that I am and go running for the hills.

I reach the door, but instead of opening it, I lean against the wall and bang my head. I need to calm myself prior to stepping foot into class. Lord, he’s gonna think I’m an idiot or worse a reject, which is what I feel like most of the time. The sound of the bell ringing again, signals that I’m about to be late. I take a deep breath, straighten myself and walk into class.

As soon as I pass the threshold I spot Tori, but she’s not alone. To my amazement and surprise, sitting beside her is none other than Maverick. I slowly walk over, even though I’m dying to race over and sit next to him. He smiles and at that moment I think damn the consequences with my dad.

I ease down next to him, leaning over, I whisper, “I have one condition about our date.” He looks at me and says, “Anything.”

His nearness is killing me and my heart is beating so fast that it takes effort to even speak.

“You have to come to my house for dinner first; My dad will expect to meet you before he'll let me go out with you….” Shifting in my seat, I add, “I know that it may seem weird to even have to do that but…”

“Yes,” he quickly responds. I’m a little surprised that he agrees so readily. I honestly thought I might have scared him off.

“Are you kidding Charlie? Any way I can spend time with you I will, even if there are parents involved.”

“You’re kidding, right?” I ask.

He turns and stares me directly in the eye with a serious expression on his face. “I don’t kid Charlie, not when it comes to you.”

I see that for some reason in such a short amount of time this guy, this beautiful and sweet guy who seems so perfect, likes me.

Mr. Hall walks in while I’m staring at Maverick and thinking about everything that has been said and what it all means. I shake my thoughts and re-focus on my love of music and why I am in this class to begin with.

Maverick leans over and whispers in my ear, “We will talk later.”

I feel shivers cascade down my back all the way to my toes with him just whispering in my ear. Then like a big bucket of water being spilled over me, Mr. Hall begins to speak.

“Okay, people here are our plans for the semester. We are going to be in charge of a music festival that will be put on in front of the whole school during homecoming week, and it will help raise money for the arts in the school. You will be in groups of two or three, and make sure you pick something snazzy and fun! Go ahead and start picking your groups and start thinking about what you’re going to do.”

Maverick leans over me as soon as Mr. Hall stops talking, “Be my partner Charlie.”

“Can you even sing, at all?” I can’t help but ask.

“I sing in the shower, does that count?” He says this with a smile and his fantastic blue eyes are laughing at me. He’s just so damn charming and I could honestly give a flip if he can sing or not. I just want to be with him every moment that I possibly can.

I smile back at him as I reply, “Sure Mav, why not.”

“Aw, you gave me a nickname, Charlie.”

My face feels like it’s on fire. I mean like volcanic heat. I know my chest is sure to be all splotchy red now, and I’m sure he can see it, which is even worse!

“I like it,” he hastily adds. His face is serious so I know he’s not trying to make fun of me.

Tori nudges me, and I feel awful. Here I am having this conversation with Maverick and my new bestie is sitting right there getting ignored.

I turn and look at her.

She looks at me and smiles, like it’s completely okay that I’ve been ignoring her. “How do you feel about a third wheel?”

“First off, you are never a third wheel and second I would love for you to be with us Tori, sounds awesome. Now we need to decide on music.”

Maverick shakes his head and starts laughing, “Don’t look at me. How about I let the two of you decide on that?”

“You'll feel comfortable with whatever we pick?” Tori asks.

“Sure, I trust you both.” he responds

“Are you sure about that,” I ask.

“Positive.”

I look at Tori, and she has a twinkle in her eye like she’s up to no good as she says, “Oohh, this is going to be fun.”