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Authors: Nia Stephens

BOOK: Like This And Like That
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Chapter 7
Take a Hike
DrewG writes: Look forward to seeing u today. Don't forget I have something special planned for us. Wear comfortable shoes.
Gemma showed Maria the text message during fifth period home economics class.
“Ooh,” Maria crooned. “What do you think that something special is?”
“Haven't a clue,” Gemma confessed. “That's part of what makes all of this so confusing. There's no way to predict this guy.”
“That's part of the fun, though, no?”
“No,” Gemma said.
“Girls, concentrate,” Mrs. Sutton, the home ec teacher, scolded.
“Can you believe in this day and age they still have a class like this?” Maria said as she grabbed a towel off the counter and pulled her burnt macaroni and cheese out of the oven. “In my house, my dad does all the cooking.” She took the towel and fanned away the smoke.
“In mine, Luigi's down the street does a lot of our cooking,” Gemma admitted.
“I'm glad you're giving Drew another shot,” Maria said, still fanning the smoke. “I thought he was cool. Manny did, too. You made him sound like some sort of freak.”
“That's precisely my point,” Gemma complained. “It's completely unpredictable. When he's in a crowd, he's fine. When he's alone with me, he's okay one minute but the next he turns into this hot mess. Honestly, he's a good guy, but he either tries too hard or forgets to try at all. He pulls my seat out for me, but he stuffs his face and talks with his mouth full! And the entire time at the pizza place he kept telling me how pretty and special I was.”
“Ooooh, call the police. That guy is a maniac,” Maria teased, picking away at the burnt pieces of cheese. “Sounds like a total jerk.”
“It's not that,” Gemma admitted. “But it's like, chill, dude. I get it—you think I'm nice looking. And as soon as there is any silence between us, it's like he freaks out. He agrees with everything I say and doesn't seem to have an opinion of his own. I'm telling you, that's the Drew you
didn't
witness. I did. And I'm the one who looks crazy when I try to tell someone about it.”
“If that's
really
the case, tell me again why you're giving him another chance?” Maria asked.
Gemma sighed. With Drew she could talk herself into—or out of—going out with him depending on her mood. The variables were just so confusing.
“When I think about it, Drew is the first guy I've gone out with that didn't paw me like some zoo animal. Other than one misguided moment at the party,” Gemma added hastily. “There are these flashes of a cool guy—a guy I could really like. I'd hate to drop him before I get to know that guy better.”
“Exactly what I said,” Maria commented. “Drew
could
be perfect for you, maybe.” Maria glanced up at her from under her thick dark eyelashes. “But the real question is, are you attracted to him?”
Gemma thought for a second. “Well, he is actually cute ...” As if on autopilot, her hand fluttered to her cheek, to where his lips had touched her skin. “When he's not in some ghetto getup,” she added quickly.
Mrs. Sutton walked around the class checking out everyone's dishes. When she came to theirs, she frowned and kept walking.
“This will be our third date and I still don't feel like I really know who he is,” Gemma continued.
“Hey, it's your life,” Maria said. “Apply the baseball rule to this one.”
“Huh?”
“I thought you were into sports.” Maria put her hands on her hips and rolled her eyes. “You know—three strikes and you're out.”
 
At exactly four o'clock, Drew showed up at Gemma's front door. He was dressed in a T-shirt and a pair of khaki shorts that revealed well-muscled legs. He obviously didn't spend all of his time playing chess or studying for the debate team. The guy worked out.
Dr. Williams came out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. “Hello, Drew.”
“Have a good time, kids, but not too much fun,” her dad said, slapping Drew on the back. “I know plenty of cops in the Orange County area personally.”
“Daaadd!” Gemma whined. As they walked out the door, she could still hear her father laughing.
During the car ride, Gemma tried to keep conversation flowing. She didn't want Drew to freak out again if there was another uncomfortable silence. Only when they hit a wooded area did she realize they had been talking nonstop for the last twenty minutes. And Drew had carried more than his share of the conversation—he was obviously much more relaxed today. Which, Gemma realized, made her relax, too.
Drew pulled off the main road and onto a dirt one.
“Where are we?” Gemma asked.
“The Santa Ana mountains. I thought you'd like this place. I come here all the time.” He stopped the car at the foothills of some large mountains in the distance.
“We're going hiking today,” he announced as he got out of the car. Before she could respond, he started up the hill.
She peered down at her feet, realizing that when he had said comfortable shoes, he really meant sneakers. She thought he'd meant flats so she wore her sandals. Nothing she could do about it now. She took off after him.
She attempted to catch up but he was moving quickly. It was obvious that nature was his element. When she fell too far behind, he would wait a few minutes for her to catch up and then resume. If nothing else, she was getting a great workout today.
He stopped again, looked back at Gemma, and crossed his arms over his chest. He grinned and shook his head. “How is it that the star b-ball player is getting tired walking up a tiny hill?”
“Hey, have you ever played ball in open-toe sandals? Not fun,” she complained, and then started laughing. “Actually, that's a sight I'd love to see.”
“I'm sorry,” Drew said. “I guess I should have been more specific about footwear. It's just—well, I wanted to surprise you.”
His face furrowed with concern, and Gemma realized she didn't want to spoil his plans by complaining.
“Nah, it's on me,” she said. “I just wanted to show off my lovely new nail polish.” She lifted her foot and wiggled her toes. “And I'm glad you surprised me. This is ...” She held her arms out wide, indicating the incredible trail they were on. “Beautiful.”
“I'm glad you like it.” He turned and started up the hill again.
Gemma grinned. His excitement to share this with her, his confidence now that they were doing something he really loved—it all added up to an appealing guy.
Gemma glanced over her head. Clouds were beginning to form. Uh-oh. “We're going to get caught in the rain.”
He didn't respond. He was too far ahead to hear her. She stepped up her pace and caught up to him just as tiny raindrops began to fall.
“It's about to rain,” she said in a panic.
“So?” He looked perplexed.
“So?” Gemma repeated. “I just had my hair done yesterday.”
“Yeah, so?” he asked again.
She stared at him. “You don't have any sisters, do you?”
Confused, he shook his head, so Gemma spelled it out for him. “Black women do not get their hair wet.” She hurried over to the nearest tree for cover. “You can keep climbing if you want to but no way am I messing up this ‘do.” She pointed to the crown of her head.
Drew watched her for a moment, a smile spreading across his face. “I got you covered,” he said, reaching into the knapsack he was carrying. He pulled out a tiny blue umbrella and joined her under the tree. He opened the umbrella and shielded her from the rain.
They were so close. His face was just inches from hers. Gemma felt herself flush. The only other time she had been this close to him was at the party and that hadn't turned out too well. This time was different.
He gazed into her eyes. He didn't seem at all concerned about the silence this time. “We may be here a little while,” he said softly. Gemma couldn't find her voice, she just nodded.
He placed a hand on her waist and, keeping the umbrella over her, gently guided her to a boulder under the tree. Once she settled onto the rock, Drew handed her the umbrella. “I'm not worried about
my
hair,” he teased.
Moments later, the tiny trickles of rain stopped. Drew glanced up at the sky. “Just a little farther to go,” he said, standing.
Gemma was almost sorry that the moment was broken, but then he took her hand, and it felt right, as if it belonged there. They hiked the rest of the way in silence, comfortable in each other's company this time, enjoying the fresh scent of the woods after the rain shower.
They reached the top of the hill, and Drew released Gemma's hand. He stepped in front of her and held his arms out wide. “I'd like to introduce you to my favorite spot.”
Gemma gasped. The sky was a brilliant blue and from their overlook she could see nearby hills, lush and green.
“This way,” he said. He took her hand again, and led her to a clearing full of wildflowers. He lifted a tarp from off the ground and underneath was a small, checkered tablecloth with a straw picnic basket sitting on top of it.
“You hiked all the way up here earlier to set this out for me?” She was completely dumbfounded, but at the same time her heart dropped.
Here we go again
, she thought. He was trying way too hard. Was there a bottle of champagne or something in there?
Before she could say a word, Drew reached down into the basket and pulled out two Subway sandwiches and two bottles of Pepsi. “Sorry, don't cook.”
Gemma burst out laughing.
“And don't even think about saying I try too hard. I said in my profile that I like treating ladies like ladies. And you responded. You must have been into the idea.”
“True,” Gemma said, settling onto the picnic blanket.
“And,” he said, dropping down beside her, “I just wanted to do something I thought you've never done before.”
Drew leaned in and kissed her softly on her lips, taking Gemma completely by surprise. Shivers tingled up and down her spine, and his hands felt sure and strong on her back. She knew it now: Drew was definitely boyfriend material.
 
The End
Think Gemma should run fast in the opposite direction? Then read on!
Chapter 5
To Text or Not to Text
“S
o Drew is a no?” Maria asked Gemma on their way toto the cafeteria. “I don't get it. He sounded okay.”
Gemma looked at her friend incredulously. “Are you talking about before or after he showed up at my house looking like Snoop Dog?”
“Okay, okay,” Maria said, laughing. “But he did admit that was a mistake.”
Gemma shook her head. “It's not just that. He was sweet in the texts, but talking to him face-to-face is like pulling teeth.”
“Don't you mean pulling grillz?” Maria said, grinning.
Just then, Gemma's Sidekick went off. She glanced down and saw another message from Drew
.
I wanted 2 say hi and c how your day was going.
“Dang, dude does not play,” Maria commented as they walked into the lunchroom. “You dumped him and he's
still
texting you?”
Gemma stuck the Sidekick back into her purse and zipped it up. “Well, not exactly,” she admitted.
Maria's eyes widened. “You didn't tell him yet?”
“I didn't have the chance. But I will as soon as possible.”
“You're not going to at least write back?” Maria asked. She put a hand on her hip. “Well, I guess that's one way of letting a brother know he's been fired.”
Gemma shrugged. At that point she didn't know
how
she was going to handle Drew.
 
In English class, while Mr. Martin was droning on about Othello, Gemma thought she might as well just get it over with. She pulled out her cell and began texting.
Hi Drew,
I think it may be better if we were just friends.
TTYL
Gemma
She stared at the message. Well, that sounded stupid. She hit the delete button and started over again.
Drew,
Had a great time at the party but don't think we work well together.
That sounded even worse. What were they, coworkers? She hit the delete button and tried again.
Drew,
You are a nice guy but I don't think we have that much in common. Thanks for the good time at the party and I'll talk to you sometime.
Gemma
Gemma studied the message. That was perfect. The point was made but not in an insulting way. She hit send. There, it was done. No more Drew.
 
Last period, Gemma met up with Maria by their lockers. “I did it!” she exclaimed.
“Did what?” Maria asked, fiddling with her combination.
“Broke up with Drew.”
Maria turned and looked at her quizzically. “When did you talk to him?”
“I sent him a text in English class,” Gemma admitted.
“You didn't!” Maria yelled. A few of the students nearby stared. “Did you write ‘P.S. I hate your guts so this is why I'm texting you a callous breakup note' at the end of the message?”
At the time, Gemma didn't think it was that bad. In fact she thought she was doing Drew a favor by saving him from further embarrassment. She just wanted to get it over with. But Maria's response prompted second thoughts.
“So what should I have done?” Gemma asked.
“Sorry, can't help you with that. But I do know what you shouldn't have done.” Maria looked down accusingly at Gemma's cell.
“Do you think I should text him again?” Gemma's forehead crinkled with worry. When she sent the text she never once thought it was inhumane. But on the other hand, most cruel people don't actually think they're cruel. She wasn't one of those people, was she?
“Why bother?” Maria asked. “The deed's been done. You got what you wanted—and that is to be free and clear of Drew.”
Somehow that did very little to make Gemma feel better about the situation. When Maria saw the concern on her friend's face, she draped her arm over Gemma's shoulders. “It's really not that bad,” Maria assured her, giving her a squeeze. “Breaking up via text message happens all the time.”
“Would you do that to somebody?” Gemma asked.
“Well, no, but it happens.”
“To who?”
“I don't know ... but I'm sure it happens.”
“Gee, thanks for all the comfort and support,” Gemma said.
“ ‘That's what friends are for,' ” Maria sang, although she hardly sounded like Dionne Warwick. “Besides, at this point, it's hardly
you
that needs the comforting and support. Poor Drew.” Maria shook her head.
Gemma nudged Maria's shoulder as the guilt hit her stomach like a stone. “Knock it off please. I feel bad enough.”
 
Gemma knew only one way to get rid of the antsy feeling sending nervous energy through her whole body. Hard time on the court. Basketball practice. She needed offense so she dragged Maria down to the YMCA with her.
“Tell me again why I'm here?” Maria asked, standing in the middle of the court.
“Put your arms up and at least act like you're trying to block me,” Gemma commanded.
Maria lazily raised her arms over her head as she yawned. Gemma shot down the court and pushed Maria aside with her shoulder.
“Foul!” Maria cried. “That was a blatant foul.”
Gemma rolled her eyes. “You have to be
playing
in order for it to be considered a foul.”
“Whatever.” Maria plopped down, cross-legged, right in the center of the floor. “So what do you want to do now? This basketball thing is tiring me out.”
“Tiring you out?” Gemma threw the ball. It bounced off the rim and into the bleachers. “You barely moved a muscle. How could you be tired?”
“Hey, I played defense,” Maria said, now sprawling on the floor.
“The only thing you played was no-fense.” Gemma threw another brick. “What if I made a mistake?” she said, suddenly turning to face Maria. “What if he was the guy for me and I just totally blew it. Think about it, blowing off a guy because he screwed up trying to impress you.”
“Who?”
“Drew. Who else?”
Maria stared at her friend in disbelief. “How did we get back onto that subject?”
Gemma whirled around and took one last shot. “I just feel so bad about how this all went down. The guilt has been eating me up all afternoon. Do you think I should call him and apologize?”
“No,” Maria said. “Let it go.”
“What if I text him again?” Gemma asked.
“I wouldn't.”
“Why not?”
“I just wouldn't. It's better if you leave it alone.”
Gemma plopped down next to Maria. “I guess you're right.”
“And if I remember, letting Drew go was what you wanted,” Maria reminded her.
Gemma nodded. Maria was right. What was done was done. There was nothing she could do to change it. Gemma jumped up and resumed her practice. She had a game next week and had been slacking off the past few days. She threw one more shot but this one bounced off the backboard. She knew the signs—she was only going to get more frustrated. “This isn't helping,” she declared.
Maria lifted herself off the floor. “Thank goodness,” she huffed. “Let's go to the movies.”
“If I make this shot,” Gemma said quickly, “it's your treat.”
“You're on.”
Gemma set up for the shot and swished the ball in.
Maria rolled her eyes. “Oh, all night you've been missing shots and
now
you swish one in. Basketball shark.”
Gemma grinned. “Quit complaining. I got the popcorn.”
 
By the time they came home from the gym, showered and changed, they were late for the show and had to sit at the very back of the theater.
“The popcorn cost almost as much as the movie,” Gemma complained. “Especially with your greedy self getting the extra large when you
know
you can't eat that much.”
“Yup,” Maria smiled, shoveling in a handful. “I guess you got the short end of the stick after all.”
“Ha-ha.”
“Hey, you're never going to believe this ...” Maria said, trailing off.
Gemma looked at her friend cautiously. “What?”
“Uh ... isn't that Drew?” Maria asked, nudging Gemma's shoulder.
Gemma craned her neck, peering past a woman with huge hair and a guy with a neck like a linebacker. Off to the side, near the front, Drew sat alone eating popcorn. Her heart started palpitating and her palms started to sweat.
“Did you know he was going to be here?” Maria asked.
“How would I know that?”
Maria looked at Gemma sideways and raised an eyebrow
.
“You were just talking about him.”
“I swear I didn't know,” Gemma said. Running into him was the last thing she wanted. It was all just too embarrassing. “What if he looks back and sees me? Should I say something first?” Gemma was seriously starting to get nervous now.
“It's your call,” Maria said.
Gemma hesitated. What was she going to say? What
could
she say?
“If you're going to do it, do it now,” Maria told her. “The movie is about to start.”
Slowly Gemma got up from her seat and made her way to the aisle. After almost knocking down a girl carrying two large sodas, Gemma plodded toward the front of the theater, each step heavier than the last. She was less than two feet from him before deciding it was a mistake. She turned quickly and headed back up the aisle.
“What happened?” Maria asked when Gemma plopped back down into her seat.
“Couldn't do it.”
As the lights dimmed and a few more people filtered in, Gemma slouched in her seat.
“Hey, there's your girl, Christine Ihlenger,” Maria said. “Weren't you two bio partners before you and Seth?”
Gemma and Maria watched Christine head down the aisle. Both girls' mouths dropped open as Drew stood up to allow Christine to sit down next to him.
“You're kidding me,” Gemma mumbled under her breath.
Drew and Christine?
As soon as the movie began, Christine and Drew started making out.
Maria leaned over and whispered, “Well, I guess you don't have to feel sorry for him anymore.”

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