The Meaning Games

8. Life's Too Quiet

Sometimes one thing isn't enough to occupy a person. 

Shay leaned back to look at the millions of stars in the sky. A slight breeze was around but it didn't nip at Shay's skin. She was too busy thinking about her hands wrapped, warmly, in Milo's. "I hope you don't mind," he said quietly, "that we didn't eat at a restaurant this time." 

Shay tilted her head, looking at the boy in front of her. His mousey hair framed his face, and shone in the moonlight, which made him look more handsome than before. "I don't mind," she murmured. She couldn't care less where they went out – only that they were going out. This was technically their second date and one that hadn't been orchestrated by Avarie. It was one they'd arranged on their own. No blackmailing, no instructions, just a nice, simple date. Milo had taken her to a coffee shop where he'd bought her a drink, a slice of chocolate cake and a glass of lemonade. Now they were in the park, sitting on one of the benches. 

"We can eat in a restaurant again next time."

Instead of replaying another reassurance, Shay waggled her eyebrows. "So you want to go on another date again?"

Milo shrugged, trying to act casual. "Sure, why not? Let's eat now next week."

Shay tried to bit back a blush. That would be three dates in two weeks, wouldn't it? That was a lot of dates in a short space of time. Considering Shay had liked Milo for a long time, she wasn't complaining about it. "I'll have to see if I can fit you in." She said casually. 

Milo's face dropped, and he frowned. "Oh," he said lamely.

Shay's eyes widened. "I mean tennis!" she said quickly. Soccer took up a lot of the time, but she still went on the court from time to time. "You should come and watch," she added, "Avarie's going to be there."

"Avarie's always everywhere." Milo muttered. "But sure, I'd love to come and watch."

"It'll be nice to hang out, maybe after the game? It doesn't have to be a date..." As much a Shay wanted another date with Milo, she didn't want to class watching a tennis game as one. That was boring. "Plus, Avarie will be there. We don't want to make it awkward with a third wheel." 

"True," Milo smirked. "I want you all to myself."

Shay giggled and Milo chuckled under his breath. They sat for a minute, enjoying the comfortable silence. They'd known each other for years, often they'd played against each other in numerous sports, and they were neighbours. 

After a minute, Milo spoke up again. "Did you get an invitation to Tiffany's party?"

Shay snorted, thinking about Tiffany Oliver. They weren't friends. Tiffany tried to seem popular, but she only had a couple of groupies following her around. Shay didn't like her because she tried to show off all the time, shoving her money down peoples throat. "That tacky email? Yeah, I think we're going." 

"Good," Milo said, reaching over to kiss her cheek. When he pulled away, Shay moved forward, licking his cheek in return. He pulled back, momentarily grossed out before grinning. Sure, Shay like to read Teen Vogue and dress up in designer girly clothes just like Avarie did, but she was also sporty, and had a lot of her brother's traits and habits. "You're such a guy sometimes," he teased. 

"Maybe I am." Shay shrugged. Her eyes twinkled just like the stars above them did.

"But that's a good thing – for me, at least – I can tease you about how much better I am at soccer."

"Not soccer." 

"Definitely soccer."

Milo narrowed his eyes. He didn't mind a challenge, even if, somewhere in the back of his head he knew just how good Shay was. All the guys at Bethesda High School had respect and praise for her. "Oh," he said, full of determination. "You're on."