Finding Sage (Young Adult)

Fourteen: Taking it Slow

Sage

"I was just thinking about you," Kellan says, taking my call with his smooth and sexy voice which makes my toes tingle. This phone thing was a brilliant idea on his part. His voice, alone, turns me on but it keeps me from looking into his handsome face; which always makes it hard for me to resist him.

"No you weren't," I joke.

"Oh, I promise that I most certainly was...because you're never far from my thoughts," he says, and it makes me close my eyes, taking in his voice and beautiful inflections.

"Can we have another phone date tonight? I've had an...interesting day...and I want to share it with someone." I feel uncomfortable, knowing I just asked him out on a date.

"Oh," he pauses and I hear shuffling. "I have band practice until at least eleven. I am on my way now. Can I call you after?"

Disappointment blankets me. "Oh, okay, another time then. I'll probably be asleep by eleven."

"Any chance you want to come watch us practice? I would love to see you."

Yes, I would LOVE that, I think, but I know I can't and he knows that too. Before I have the chance to respond he says, "I'm sorry. I am so sorry. I know we can't see each other, yet. Please, don't freak out. How about this, I will call you after practice and if you're still up, we'll spend a little time together."

"I wasn't going to freak out," I say smiling. "I would love to see you practice, but you know I can't. So, you'll call me after? I will try to stay awake."

I swear I can hear his smile before he even says anything and it makes my heart skip. "Yes," he says with obvious exuberance. "I look forward to it, Sage."

"Bye Kellan," I sing, with a smile on my face.

"Bye."

*********

I wake the next morning, cupping the phone he gave me in my hand.

"NO! Damn it!" I yell to the air. I see I have five missed calls from Kellan. I slam my hand down on my bed. Why couldn't I stay awake?

I decided to text him:

ME: *I am so sorry. I fell asleep.*

KELLAN: *Lunch at GG's at noon, bring the BlueTooth. Okay?*

ME: *Okay.*

I feel a little better.

Kellan

I just told Sage that we would do lunch, but I really want to see her. I am considering going to her office and bringing her coffee.  No. That is a bad idea. I need to stick with this phone plan until she wants to see me in person. I can't rush this.

I can't wait. I'm going to get the coffee and surprise her.

No. I'm not. I'm going to wait until lunch.

I pick up my guitar to distract myself. After strumming on my guitar for a little while, I decide to switch to Greg's piano; it provides me with just the type of creative outlet I need to distract myself. I know it will wake Greg, but he and Francis like when I play the piano. I hope they don't mind.

Playing for a long time, and using the moment to come up with some new ideas to run by the band, I find myself wrapped in my own little creative bubble. The only time I stop is to take some notes. Once I have perfected at least part of the song, my stomach rumbles. I stand up and stretch my arms and back.

"You have to play that at Adam's wedding," Greg surprises me. I turn and see him and Francis sitting on their couch arm in arm, wrapped in a blanket.