As the bell tolls for the end of the period and the end of my test on politics, I get up and shove my stuff into my bag to race out. Pardoning myself as I bump into irritated people, I get out into the sun to see my frat brothers waiting for me outside. I pump my fist in the air. “Freedom!”
“Freedom!” they yell, and we dive into a massive group huddle.
It doesn’t last for long because people start complaining loudly that we’re blocking the way, so we all break away and walk toward the courtyard.
“Is everything in place?” I ask Jeremy.
“Ready and set. Good luck.” He grins.
They break away from me, but I know they’re not going far because they want to know what the outcome is going to be.
I’ve been trying for days now to get Kira to go on a date with me, but it’s been a no-go. From flowers to expensive perfume to one of the music students serenading her. She hasn’t liked any of it. I know she said not flashy, but dammit, I didn’t know what to do.
Until today.
I know I’m going to get her today.
I stroll up the path toward the table where she sits every day studying. There’s a tree nearby which is key to the program.
I stroll toward the bench and sit opposite her, closest to the tree.
“Afternoon, Kira. How did your classes go?” I ask with a genuine smile.
She glances up. “Miguel.” She goes back to her book almost immediately, but she does respond, “They were fine, thanks. What is it today?”
“I realized I’m going about this totally wrong,” I say, giving her a cheeky grin. “I get that you don’t want to go out late at night with a guy you barely know, especially a desperate one like me.”
“You’re mostly right so far.” She sets her book down to watch me. I’ve piqued her curiosity.
“Well, I propose something different then. Not flashy, not expensive. Something simple and private. I, Miguel, hereby invite you, Kira, to join me for a lunch date.”
She looks surprised. Good. I continue, “So, if you are willing and available, I would love to take you on a picnic in some private gardens not far from here and well within earshot that if you want to scream for help, you can.”
She giggles and shakes her head. “I admit it’s an interesting proposal.” She pauses and sighs. “If I give you one lunch date, would you promise to leave me alone?”
“I swear it on my family’s name,” I say quickly. I would just have to win her over so that shewantsanother date.
“Fine, when?”
I get up and walk to the tree. Tucked behind it is a blanket and picnic basket strategically placed there by my frat brothers.
“Does right now suit you?” I smile.
She snorts. “Fine.” She gets up and picks up her book bag, carefully putting away her textbook. “Lead the way.”
“Follow me.” I lead her through the campus, not far from the courtyard to a little garden tucked away around a corner. She freezes as I open the short gate.
“This is the Dean’s private gardens,” she says. “I don’t think we’re allowed in here.”
“Don’t worry. The Dean will never find out.” I grin and lead her to a grassy patch strategically hidden among high rose bushes.
I spread the blanket down and kneeled, unpacking the picnic basket.
“We have a sandwich each. A sports drink to keep us hydrated and energized. Some fruit—you look like a fruit kind of girl—and a brownie each.”
Her smile widens. “What’s on the sandwich?” She sits on the blanket next to me.
“This is a Miguel special. Cheese, bacon, mushrooms, scrambled egg, and a secret family sauce.” I hand her one of the sandwiches wrapped in wax paper. “Try it.”