Page 39 of Knot Gonna Give You Up
eighteen
HENRY
I’ve been dragging my feet on texting Josie about a date. At first it was nerves, but then I realized I’m being a chickenshit. Sure, we’ve texted back and forth, and she came over for the friend dinner, but that’s not a date. Plus, knowing that Vic and Jesse both have a Match with Josie makes me nervous. What if she doesn’t have one with me? What if she doesn’t want one? I’ll never know until we talk about it, which means I need to put on my big boy pants and just text her.
Me
Hey Josie! Are you free today, by chance? I know it’s last minute.
Josie
Hello, handsome! I have a session today in an hour, but after that I’m free. What’s going on?
Me
I’d like to take you on that confidence seminar we’ve discussed. I think a good place to start would be Nature Art if you’re interested.
Josie
Oh, I haven’t been there in AGES. Sure, that sounds great!
Me
Awesome, text me when you’re home, and I can come get you?
Josie
Perfect. I’ll talk to you soon <3
My fist pumpsinto the air, victory sweet in my brain. I can’t wait to take her out to look at art in the woods. It sounds cheesy, but some of the permanent installations are breathtaking, no matter how many times you see them. The seasonal displays are always intriguing, too, and I can just imagine wandering around with Josie, hand in hand, as we talk about the art. Or life. Or whatever makes her smile. If she wanted to spend two hours talking about snails and slugs, I’d happily listen.
I make sure to put on casual clothes, but then realize I don’t have anything to do until she texts. Maybe I’ll check in on Ray. She seems to be improving with Josie’s sessions, and I should probably let her know I want to date Josie. The last thing I want is awkward tension between them. Ray is actually out of her room today, sitting in the den with some blankets and textbooks in front of her.
“Hey you,” I say gently, knocking on the doorframe.
Ray looks up at me with a small smile before going back to her books. “What’s up?”
“I wanted to ask you about something. Do you have a minute?” I ask.
“Yes, just let me finish this page,” she says distractedly, grabbing a highlighter.
She finishes whatever passage she’s reading and sits back, resting against the back of the couch as she looks at me. I clear my throat.
“Do you like working with Josie?” I ask first.
Ray’s face lights up, “Yeah, she’s great! Our scents aren’t great together, but we’re totally used to it now, and I don’t mind it. I’m glad you found her.”
“I, um, how would you feel about me dating her?” I ask, stumbling a bit over the words.
Ray grins, “I think that would be an excellent idea. Especially since you’re Matches.”
“Uh, we don’t know that. Why are you saying that?”
“Puh-lease, the way you reacted to each other’s scents? You have to be Matches,” she informs me with all the teenage attitude she can muster.
“You’re such a brat,” I grin at her.
Ray just grins back and turns back to her studies. I hope I’ve encouraged her enough, but I decide to give her one more thought before I go.
