Can You Keep a Secret?

A Double Date

I pulled myself out of the pool, followed by Allison. I leaned over the deck's railing, peering around the house.
"I can't see your driveway," I told Allison.
"I guess we'll have to go around."
I walked behind her, moving through the garden to the side of the house. I peered over the fence separating the front and back yards.
"It's Jared," Allison whispered.
Great, just what I need. Boy drama. Jared's practically in love with me, but the feeling isn't mutual.
"Hide me!" I backed away from the fence.
"Okay, just..."
"Is that you, Allison?" Jared called.
"Yes I'll be there in a second," She moved towards the gate.
"Your swim suit," I whispered reminding her.
"He won't care. He's in love with you." Allison opened the gate as I backed up against the house, hidden by the shadows.
"Is Katherine here?" I heard Jared ask.
"No, why?" Thank god for best friends. I can always count on her to cover for me.
"I just wanted to talk to her,"
"Sorry," Man, Allison was convincing.
"It's alright. Just let her know I need to talk to her when you see her." Jared turned to leave. "Nice suit by the way."
Allison blushed as Jared got in the car and left.
"Did Alli just blush?" I teased when she was back behind the gate.
"No! And you know I hate that nickname. Don't make me get Jared back here."
"Alright, I'm sorry. Just don't bring him back."
"You're going to have to confront him sometime you know."
"Yeah, just not today. I just found out I have a freaking super power!" I remembered. "Besides, he's acting obsessive."
"Okay, so maybe he is." Allison agreed. "You just need to spend time with him. He might be really good guy. Jackson always hangs out with him."
"I know. They're like the guy version of you and me."
"Then it's settled,"
"What is?" I asked.
"A double date, of coarse."
"Hold on, I didn't agree to that. I said I'd give him a chance." Sometimes Allison really just didn't get it.
"It'll be good for you. When was the last time you had a date?"
I cringed when she said that. The last time I'd gone out was in tenth grade with Bradley Ford. I agreed to go to the school dance with him, but when we got there he was all over Madison. I ended up tipping my glass of punch over his head. Theatrical, right?
"You know when," I told Allison.
"I know, I just had to bring it up... for your own good."
"Sure, that or you just don't want to be alone with Jackson yet."
"Okay, I admit to both of them being true." Allison defended.
"Fine, I'll go for you." I said admitting defeat. "But for you only."
"Who knows, you might end up liking Jared."
"Key word: might." I add.
* *
I couldn't quite believe it. Allison had managed to make me look decent and drag me to a restaurant that night. How did I let her convince me to do this?
I tug my skirt down a little farther as we walk into Spiro's. My hands are a little sweaty when we reach the table. I didn't understand why I was sweating over Jared.
"Allison, I don't know about this," I say.
"It'll be okay, better than okay. Look, here they come." She responds.
"Hey," Jackson slides into the booth next to Allison.
"Hi," Allison pecks him on the cheek.
I blush and turn to face the other way. I come face to face with Jared.
"Hello," Jared's eyes gleamed.
I open and then close my mouth. I couldn't think of anything to say, so I just smiled. I was so stupid. I didn't think about the fact that he'd be sitting next to me.
I look back at Allison and Jackson. They were oblivious to Jared and I, deep in their own conversation.
"What? Cat got your tongue?" Jared teases.
I look back at him. Man, was he gorgeous. Did I seriously just think that?
"No, just nothing to say." I manage.
"Right..."
"May I take your order?" The waitress asks.
"I'll have fettuccine alfredo." Allison orders.
"I'll take ravioli," Jackson says.
"I'll take spaghetti," I read from the menu.
"Ditto," Jared says. Once the waitress leaves, Jared turns to me. "I guess we have similar taste."
"I guess,"
"They're making me feel a little uncomfortable, how about you?" He nods towards Allison and Jackson.
I glance at them. They were kissing. So much for Allison not wanting to be alone with him. "Yeah, a little. They need they're own table."
"Maybe next time."
"Are you asking me out?" I say.
"I guess I am."
How can I answer this question. He was certainly popular and handsome. But when I think about it, I don't really know him. Plus he's clingy.
"Well, let's be friends first. I don't know anything about you."
"I'll take it," He smiles.
"Why were you so obsessed with me?" I blurt. I can't believe I just said that.
Jared laughs. "I just wanted you to notice me."
"Well you got my attention," I giggled.
"Good,"
I look back at Allison. She's drinking her water. I give her a look to know I saw everything. She just grins.
"So here's your food," The waitress sets plates down in front of each of us.
I glance at Jared who's looking directly at me. I feel butterflies in my stomach. Was I starting to like him?