Just One Chance : Chapter One

Chapter One.
I watch him talking to his guy friends. He high fives a couple and chest bumps the others. He smiles broadly and turns, jogging up to me.
"Hey chickadee."
I grin and stand up, wiping the invisible grass off my butt. I still love that childhood nickname. But only coming from him.
He slings his arm around me and looks down at me. "Wanna go grab some food?"
I glance up at my best friend Michael through my bangs. "Yes, please. And I know you're gonna buy cause you love me so much." I push out my pouty lip and then dissolve into giggles.
His deep laugh fills my ears and he shakes his head. "Wow Katya, I see how it is. You just like being my best friend so you can get free ice cream!"
I smirk. "Duh."
He gives me a fake sad face and I grab his shirt, laughing as he pushes me. "Kidding! Totally kidding!"

I stir my straw in my strawberry milkshake and glance at Michael from under my lashes. He's flirting with the waitress as he makes his order. A twinge of jealousy flares up in me, but only for a brief second before I shove it deep inside me. He makes his order and turns his attention back to me, flashing his perfect smile. I smile back and fiddle with my cup. "So, couldn't you be hanging out with your guy friends on a Friday night? I love hanging out with you, but I feel bad." Yes, that's my pathetic attempt at a conversation.
He quirks one eye brow. "What?"
I look down at my napkin, unsure of what else to do. "Like, you don't mind hanging out with me instead of them?"
He laughs quietly. "Katya, you've been my best friend since we were two. I can hang out with you without being anything more than friends, and without being gay, right?"
My heart sinks just a tiny bit but I smile. "Oh for sure! But your buddies don't think anything's going on with us, right?"
"Nahh. They know we're just friends." He shrugs and thanks the waitress with a wink as she brings his order. I fall silent, watching her leave, her tight jeans hugging her butt. Without even realizing it I make a face, and then glance at Michael. He's shoving fries in his mouth. Guys have it so easy. I stare at my shake again, lost in thought.
"Kay? Is something bothering you?" I look up at him. He can read me like a book. One of the sucky sides of being his best friend. I grin and laugh "Course not!" I'm lying of course -- pretending like nothing's bothering me.
But I just know it in my heart.
I'm falling in love with my best friend.

xoxox**