“Nothing.” She said. “Just thinking out loud. Bad habit.”
Lance laughed. “I tend to do the same thing. Usually in front the of last person I’d want to have hear what’s on my mind.”
Felicity nodded. “Exactly.”
Lance parked the car and turned off the engine. “Ready?”
“Let’s party.” She said grabbing her bag and stepping out of the car.
Lance led the way to the back of Justin’s house. There was a volleyball court step up in the grass as well as a net in the pool. Some people were playing basketball while others were mingling near one of the three snack tables. Joey was over by the grill and Lance waved to him.
“Come on.” He said taking her hand.
“Hey kids!” Joey said.
“Hi Joe, this is Felicity.” Lance said introducing her.
“Nice to finally know your name…I mean considering I pass by your desk everyday.” Joey said giving her a hug.
“Nice to meet you too.” Felicity said returning the hug.
“FELICITY!!” Justin screamed as he ran up to her.
“Dude, I think I just went deaf.” Lance said.
“Sorry.” Justin said putting his arm around Felicity. “Nice place huh?”
“I’ve seen better.” She joked.
“Such a smart mouth you have. Come on, I’ll give you the grand tour.” He said leading her inside.
“I’ll be right back.” Felicity called to Lance.
Lance waved her on.
‘Typical Justin.’ He thought to himself.
*****
“Hey there.” Felicity said as she walked over to Lance.
“Hey. Did you have fun with Justin?” he asked.
“Yeah, his house is really nice.” Felicity said.
Lance nodded. “Too bad he’s hardly around to enjoy it.”
“It must be hard to be away from home all the time.” Felicity replied.
“Definitely, but it’s worth it.” Lance said.
“I bet.” Felicity said.
“Want to meet the other guys?” he asked.
Felicity nodded. “Sure.”
Lance and Felicity headed over to the pool where JC, Chris, and a girl Felicity didn’t recognize were sitting.
“I’m telling you man, he said milk the…” Chris started. “Oh, hey Lance.”
“Hi guys. Felicity this is Chris, JC, and JC’s girlfriend Megan. Guys this is Felicity Patterson.” Lance said to the group.
Everyone exchanged hellos and nice to meet yous.
“So you’re the girl Lance almost killed.” Chris said.
Felicity laughed and Lance rolled his eyes.
“So that’s how I’m known.” Felicity replied.
“He wouldn’t stop talking about you after that. Oh, this girl is so cute, bla-bla-blah.” Chris said.
“Shut up Chris.” Megan said wacking him on the shoulder.
“Sorry Felicity. That’s just Chris being Chris.” JC said.
Felicity blushed. “You thought I was cute?”
Now it was Lance’s turn to blush. “Yes, I believe that’s what I said.”
Felicity was about to reply but Justin walked over.
“Felicity, come here. I need you.” Justin said.
“But…” Felicity started.
“No buts. It’ll only take a second.” He said.
“Okay.” She said. “I’ll be right back.”
*****
Later that night…
“Having fun?” Lance asked.
Felicity nodded. “Indeed. Thanks for inviting me.”
“No problem.” He replied.
“Umm…Lance?” she asked.
“Hmmm?” he replied.
“Are you alright? You seem kind of quiet.” Felicity said.
“Actually…” he started.
“Yes?” she prompted.
“You’re not interested in Justin are you?” he asked.
Felicity was confused by his question. “No. We’re just friends.”
Lance looked relieved.
“Why?” she asked.
“It’s just that…I asked you here and he kind of stole you away for most the evening. I was just wondering if I was misreading you or something.” He said.
“I came here because you invited me and I wanted to hang out with you. Justin just kind of was…” Felicity started.
“Being his typical self. Center of attention and all.” Lance said.
“I suppose. I don’t really know him well enough.” Felicity said.
They were silent for a few moments.
“I’d like to get to know you better though.” She said.
“Yeah?” he asked smiling.
Felicity returned the smile. “Yeah. So maybe you should ask me out again. Just you and me this time.”
“Is that what you think?” he asked teasingly.
Felicity blushed. “Don’t make me beg.”
“Felicity would you like to go out with me Friday night?” he asked.
“Hmmm…” she started.
“Felicity.” Lance said.
“I’d love to.” She replied.
“Then it’s a date.” He said.
Chapter 7