Levelling the Playing Field (HD&D Sequel)

Chapter 20 - Now or Never

Bennett could do it. There she was, standing only a few paces away. All he had to do was go ask her out.

"All you have to do is ask her out," Jordan said, nudging him. 

He scowled at the blonde. "I know,"

He took a deep breath and replaced his emotions with his signature blank stare. He didn't want the others to see how nervous he was, but judging by them all pretending to look busy, they all knew he was. And what does it matter if she rejects him, it's okay. They'll be cool. They were sorta friends now anyway. The last couple of days left everyone exhausted, but it needed to have happened to clear the air.

At least she no longer looked like she wanted to kill him. And at least he knows she's not part of a rival gang.

Bennett knew he was wasting time. Soon she'll finish whatever she's doing at her locker and leave. It was now or never.

"The way we play tonight is what we leave behind," Jordan was now singing a high school musical song in Bennett's ear. He shoved him away before making his way to Davina.

"Hey,"

She looked up at him and smiled. He didn't know she had such a soft smile. He hoped his hair covered the pink he could feel on his ears.

"Hi," She replied.

Bennett was waiting for her to continue when he realised he was the one who started the conversation. She smiled, probably being able to read what went through his head.

"So, uh," Bennett was blanking. It didn't help that Davina was leaning in closer to hear him. He could smell her perfume.

"Yeah?" Davina asked tentatively.

"Do you want to go somewhere after school?" He managed to get out. "With me"

The earnest look on his face had Davina gushing; she could see the pink gracing his cheeks. Her heart squeezed itself as she regretted saying.

"I want to, but I have to work tonight," She gave him a small sorrowful smile. "I'm sorry; maybe another time,"

"Yeah, sure," Bennett was no longer feeling anxious, as it had been replaced with curiosity. "You work?

"Yeah, part-time with school and everything,"

"Where?"

She gave him a wink as she closed her locker. "Wouldn't you like to know?" With that, she walked away.

******

Davina looked up, startled at the sight in front of her.

The lead mechanic, Mac, brought in the new client to introduce to her.

Bennett stepped forward and shook her hand, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

"Davina, is that you? You never told me you worked here. What a coincidence,"

Davina was momentarily distracted by his mischievous demeanour as she tried to work out what was happening here.

Mac looked between them, confused. "You two know each other?"

"We go to school together," Bennett answered the older man. "Small world, right, Davina?" Bennett turned to her with mocked innocence.

"And yet I never run into Beyonce," She replied.

"I have, twice. She's really nice," Bennett dropped casually, causing Davina's jaw to almost hit the floor. He chuckled at her reaction.

She recovered just enough to question him on what issues he was having with his car.