"Really, Sage? A date?”
I sighed. “Yes, Adrian. A date.”
“A real date. Not, like, doing homework together,” he added. “I mean like where you go out to a movie or something. And a movie that’s not part of a school assignment. Or about something boring.”
“A real date.” I figured I wouldn’t give him the specifics on the Shakespeare play.
“What’s the lucky guy’s name?”
“Brayden.”
There was a pause. “Brayden? That’s his real name?”
“Why are you asking if everything’s real? You think I’d make this up?”
“No, no,” Adrian assured me, “That’s what’s so unbelievable about it. Is he cute?”
I glanced at the clock. It was time for me to meet my study group. “Gee, maybe I should just send you a picture to review?” “Yes, please. And a full background check and life history.”
“I have to go. Why do you care so much anyway?” I finally asked in exasperation.
His answer took a long time, which was uncharacteristic. Adrian was usually ready with a dozen witty quips. Maybe he couldn’t decide which one to use. When he finally responded, it was in that usual sarcastic way of his—though the levity sounded a little forced. “Because it’s one of those things I never expected to see in my lifetime,” he told me. “Like a comet. Or world peace. I’m just used to you being single.”
For some reason, that bothered me. “What you don’t think any guy would ever be interested in me?”
“Actually,” said Adrian, sounding remarkably serious. “I can imagine lots of guys interested in you."