𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭 ─ 𝐌𝐄𝐆𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐈.

nine

Normani's POV

I searched through my closet for the perfect dress to wear on my date with Rome. Justine sat on my bed while Ryan sat on the floor, watching me throw outfit after outfit down on the fuzzy carpet.

"Do you have a pink dress?" Justine asked and stood up from her spot, stretching her arms in the air. "That color looks so pretty on you." She walked over to my side.

"I think I do." I continued to look through the racks. "Can you help me search? It's a short baby pink dress with spaghetti straps." I politely asked and she smiled, walking into the closet.

"Since when did you like Rome?" Ryan asked and I groaned.

"I don't." I answered and started looking through the pile of clothes I tossed on the floor.

"Then why are you going out with him?" Ryan looked at me confused and I rolled my eyes.

"You're the one who told me I needed to try new things."

"Yeah, by new things I meant going to a party or wearing anything other than pastels. Not dating a basketball player that you don't even have a crush on."

"In her defense, I don't think she's ever been on a date. So, maybe she was nervous when he asked." Justine chimed in, coming out of the closet with my dress. "You're going to look beautiful in this." She handed it to me and I thanked her.

"It's okay to say no, Normani." Ryan spoke to me and I sighed, standing up.

"I know," I went into the closet and cracked the door. "I was just caught off guard and honestly didn't see the harm in saying yes at the time. It's Rome, not a stranger. I see him almost every day." I quickly changed and held the top of the dress, walking out of the closet. "Can you zip me up?" I asked Justine and Ryan came over, holding up my hair.

"You're too nice. The next time someone asks you out, only say yes if you really like them." Ryan said. She let my hair go and Justine squealed as she looked at the dress.

"You look so pretty. Now, hurry and do your hair so I can do your makeup." She squeezed my shoulder. "And Ryan's right, you barely know Rome, but I hope you have a good time."

My phone chimed and my heart tugged as I noticed the text wasn't from Megan. She had been ignoring me since Monday morning. Even in French class, she only spoke to me when it was about our assignment. I still texted her good morning every day since, waiting for a response. I don't know why she suddenly became so cold. It was almost like we never made up with one another and I hated that feeling.

"What's wrong?" Ryan asked and looked down at my hands. I turned my phone off and threw it on the bed.

"Nothing," I faked a smile and silently prayed this day would go by faster than it was.

. . .

I entered through the diner door as a couple was leaving. I walked into the main room and searched around several tables for Rome. I noticed his nervous eyes scan over the room before they landed on me. I waved to him and he smiled, standing up as I walked over, my heels lightly tapping the checkered floor with each step.

"You look amazing." He beemed. "I ordered two glasses of water if that's okay." He sat back down and I went to the opposite side of the large booth.

"That's fine." I pulled in my chair and glanced at his attire. He was wearing a white button-up shirt and jeans. My eyes traveled up to his face. There was no doubt that he was good-looking. His soft brown eyes still had that puppy dog gaze as he looked at the menu. A small dimple showed occasionally on his cheek as he took a sip from the straw in his cup. Even though he was almost as perfect as a Disney prince, nothing about his appearance made my heart skip a beat.