Talk to the girl

It seems too weird to be standing this close to someone without at least acknowledging their presence, so you give a half smile to the girl and ask, “How’s it going?”

As the words come out of your mouth, you inwardly cringe. You’re still talking like a guy. If that oddity was noticed by the girl, she gives no sign of it, however. She turns to face you and brings the corner of her mouth up in a smirk.

“So you ARE ok with talking to me today?” she asks.

“Of course,” you respond, suddenly wishing you had kept your mouth shut. “Why wouldn’t I?”

The elevator seems to be moving incredibly slow, and you can practically hear the sound of your heart pounding away with the sudden rush of nervousness you are experiencing from this new development.

“No reason,” she replies, still with an oddly-unsettling mysterious expression. “You just seemed a little freaked out when we talked yesterday. I thought I had pushed you too hard, and you were going to spend another weekend locked up in your room with your nose in your books.”

The elevator stops at the second floor, and your conversation is interrupted as a couple of girls get in. They both greet you with a quick smile. The second one to enter the elevator sees the redhead and says, “Liz, I’m glad we ran into you. We won’t be able to come tonight. Kate’s brother is picking us up, and we won’t be back until tomorrow.”

The redhead, who is apparently named Liz, gives a look of mild disappointment. “I’m sorry to hear that. Maybe next time?”

The elevator stops at the third floor, and the two newcomers exit. As they leave, one of them says, “For sure. Hope that doesn’t create a problem.” Liz responds, through closing doors, “It’ll be ok... As long as Jean doesn’t back out, too.” She gives you a knowing look as the doors shut, leaving the two of alone again.

The elevator begins its climb again, and Liz speaks. “Well, there you have it; you can’t back out now. If you do, what will the guys think?”

You stare at her blankly, trying to put all the pieces together. “The guys?” you repeat.

“Yeah... Nick and Jay. I’ll be the only girl there, and what kind of impression is that going to leave them? They might as well have stayed at their own school for the weekend.”

The elevator stops at the fourth floor. Your floor. As the door opens, you realize you’re still not entirely tracking with Liz. What do you do?