The Exception

Chapter 19

*Josh's POV*

I sighed heavily as I sat back down across from Tyler. He, of course, caught onto my distressed demeanor.

"Dude, why don't you just go talk to her?"

Looking down at the table, I shook my head, "I honestly don't know. What would I even say?"

I looked back up to him, kind of feeling defeated.

"Just talk! That's the problem. You don't communicate. She needs something to go off of, Josh!"

He paused momentarily before continuing, "Look, I know you. I know that you aren't really as off putting, distant, and rude as you seem. But that is because I have something to go off of. You have to tell her about yourself."

I looked up to him, kind of humored by his slight hint that I seem like a jerk. But, to tell her everything would be too much...

Sensing my hesitation, he responded to my unsaid comment, "You don't have to tell her everything all at once. Just start off small. For goodness' sake Josh. She doesn't even know your favorite color!"

Wow... he's right. I've been so distant that we haven't even talked on that level yet...

"You just have to be chill. Why do you think girls find it so easy to talk to me?"

"Cause you are a flirt," I answered sarcastically.

Matching my tone he replied, "Haha very funny. No, I communicate. I listen. Don't make this more difficult than it needs to be. Not everyone gets a second chance."

Feeling encouraged by Tyler's pep talk I responded, "You're right."

"I know," Tyler said with a bittersweet smile.

"How are you still somehow single?"

"Not by choice," he pointed out lightly.

I looked at him shaking my head, "You know that's not what I meant."

Tyler made a light attempt at a smile before looking down.

"You're second chance is out there, Tyler. I know you'll find her one day."

He looked up to me with faint hints of gratitude and somberness.

"Thanks. Now, go talk to her, Josh!" He encouraged with his usual cheeriness.

I nodded lightly, "Thanks, man."

"You got it," He nodded in return.

Feeling newly emboldened, I walked towards the direction Selena had went off to.

***

There were several people dancing to the music. I noticed Colt, beer in hand, surrounded by several people as they were all watching his dance moves.

However, there were other groups scattered all around the area dancing in all corners of the room. I finally noticed Selena dancing along side Nicole and a few other girls I noticed from class.

'Hmm, she's actually not a bad dancer.'

I caught myself smiling as I saw how much fun they were having, however I was startled when her eyes suddenly made contact with mine. Having been caught off guard, I almost forgot my reason for heading over here.

However, bringing myself back to reality, I nodded with my head to signal Selena to follow me. She looked towards Nicole, muttered something, and then made her way through the people.

There was a door that lead out from the room to the back yard where the pool was located. There were a few people out there, but they were far away from the door. Noticing an outdoor couch, I decided to sit on it, hoping Selena would follow.