I close the car door behind Akia and take a deep breath. I’m so damn nervous that it’s crazy. I’ve never felt so inadequate before. I shake my head and walk around the car. I settle into the passenger seat and breathe a bit to get my bearings. “We don’t have to do this.” I slightly jump, having momentarily forgotten that I’m not alone in the car.
“What?” Akia turns her body to face me.
“This. Going out. We don’t have to do this. We can stay in, or we can do something another time.”
“Why would you say that? Do you… do you not want to go out with me?” Akia sighs, and my heart rate increases. I’m imagining how the rejection will go, how devastated it will make me.
“It isn’t that. It just seems like you are miles away. If you’re busy, I get that.” I discreetly let out a breath. I turn t
