Page 50 of Meet Me on Love Street
By the time I shower and put on my pajamas, I’m still turning all the questions I have in my head over. I’ve never been in a situation like this—I’m usually confident and know exactly what to do or say when I’m into someone. Or when I’m trying to figure out if they’re into me. But everything with Miles feels different. I feel… a little bit lost, alot confused, and completely out of my element when it comes to Miles Desai.
But still. I’m Sana Merali. The extrovert. Talking to people—even people I’m really into, isn’t supposed to be hard for me. I pick up my phone and call him.
“Question for you,” I ask as soon as he picks up. “Did you remember what you were going to say to me on my balcony?”
“Um, yeah. I was going to tell you to pretend it was still your prom night, because that’s how I should have ended our date. To make it more memorable for you.”
“Oh.” I pause. “That would have been a great thing to say. Why did you kiss me?”
“You’re not mad, are you?” He sounds unsure and awkward again.
“Not even a little bit. I’m definitely not going to forget my prom now.”
“Is that a good thing?” he asks. I wish he were here with me so I could see if there was a tiny smile on his lips.
“It depends. Was that a pity kiss because I didn’t have a prom date, or did you mean the kiss?”
“Have you ever known me to do or say something I don’t mean?”
“No… but I think I still need you to answer the question.”
His voice lowers. “I meant it, Sana.”
And goose bumps erupt all over me again. “Okay. That’s good. I meant it too.”
“That’s good,” he repeats. Now I can hear the smile in his voice.
“So what happens now?” I ask. “Can I see you tomorrow night?”
“Yeah. Oh wait, shoot, I can’t. I’m free earlier, though. Lunch?”
“I’m having brunch with my dad. Monday?”
“Yes. Monday. Great. Call me when you’re back from school.”
“Great. Will do. See you then.”
“Great. I’m looking forward to it.”
I try to say something other than great. “Good,” I say, then giggle. “I should go to bed.”
“Okay. Good night, Sana,” he says.
“Good night, Miles.” I disconnect the call before we start saying great again.
After getting ready for bed, I pick up my phone again and fire off a quick text.
Sana: Sleep well
Miles: You too
I have brunch with Dad and Noureen the next day. I kind of want to bail on them, but after last night, I don’t think even Noureen could bring my mood down.
Noureen seems to be off her “brunches from around the world” kick and, weirdly, picks a restaurant near my place—only about a twenty-minute walk away, instead of near theirs. The place is called Dive, and it’s the newest location of a chain of so-called dive bars. But they’re not really dive bars, just hipster places masquerading as dive bars. I went to one downtown with some school friends once, and I wasn’t impressed. When I walk in, I see that this location looksidentical to the downtown one. Which… I mean, isn’t the point of dive bars to be that they’re one of a kind?
I find Dad and Noureen sitting next to each other at a four-person table near the front. After Dad gives me a kiss on the cheek and Noureen hugs me, I sit. I’m surprised Sarina isn’t here. I’m about to ask where she is, when Noureen starts talking.
“My friend Farida told me about this place.” Noureen is smiling wide. “I’m so happy this area is getting better dining options. Sarina is excited to try it too! She’s on her way. Your little neighborhood is really improving, Sana! Look, they have turkey bacon! And chicken sausages!”
