I decide not to ask questions.A conversation about boys with a teenager while driving isn't a smart idea.But god, I was fifteen when I got interested in boys.
Shit, why does she have to be fifteen already?
Don't freak out.Maybe he's just a friend.And friendships are essential—especially when you're in your teens, I remind myself.
When I was her age, I had Bella and Emma in my life.We shared everything.Even today, they're the people I turn to when my head is a mess or when I need a second opinion.I smile as I park the car behind the store.
"Samantha, we're here."
She puts her phone down and smiles.
Once inside, Amanda shows Sam around while I help customers.When Sam gets bored, Amanda tells her she can chill in the office.I try to focus on work, but I can't help noticing how Sam's constantly on her phone, smiling at whatever messages she's receiving.
At lunch break, Amanda and I find Samantha lying on the office couch, still texting while a half-eaten club sandwich rests on her lap.
"Who are you texting?"Amanda asks while walking in.
Samantha jumps up, startled by our sudden appearance.I narrow my eyes when she shows the deer in headlights expression.
"Who are you texting?"I repeat."You've been at it the whole morning."
When her cheeks flush, she quickly lowers her head and takes a bite of her sandwich.Amanda and I exchange a look.I stroll towards Samantha and park my butt on the chair next to the couch.Amanda takes her office chair, crossing her right leg over her left.
"Okay, confession time," Amanda states."Tell us who the boy is that you are texting."
"God, Leo isn't some immature boy.He's a guy."
Samantha's eyes spread even more extensively when she realizes she fell straight into her trap.Smooth Amanda.
We chuckle."Isn't Leo the one you told me about in the elevator a few weeks ago?"
I get my confirmation when her cheeks turn a deep crimson color.
"You can tell me, Sam.I'm your friend."
"And I'm your friend, too," Amanda adds with a smile.
Samantha glances through her lashes at both of us while taking another bite of her sandwich.Then she sits up straight and speaks.
"Yeah, it's him.He's an excellent listener, and he's hilarious," she rambles with a sparkle in her eyes.
Her phone beeps, and when she reads the message, her eyes dart my way.
"What's the matter?"I ask when she frowns.
"Uh, Leo asks if I have time to meet him for a drink.He's in the neighborhood.Could I, Alisha?Please.We'll even stay here on this street; there are enough places where we could have a drink together."
Her eyes are pleading with me while she pulls her bottom lip back between her teeth.I pull on my earlobe, contemplating what to do and say.
"Please, I beg you," she pleads, while adding a pouty lip.
I hate to admit it, but that hopeful expression of hers is getting to me.I scan Amanda, who shrugs.I pull in and slowly release a deep breath before making my decision.
"Fine.But..."
Samantha's brows raise."But what?""I want to meet Leo first."
"But Alisha," she protests.
