William’s already working when I arrive. I take my place across the table and start stuffing fliers. He flashes that smile—the one that always manages to melt my insides. Geez, I sound like a lovesick schoolgirl.
I love the way William clears his throat to fill awkward silences. I love that he goes by his full name, not Will or—Lord help me—Billy. I love that he cares enough about animals to volunteer at the Animal Rescue League. And, on a purely shallow level, he’s freakin’ hot.
We have a connection. I think. On the way over here, I talked myself into making a move. Ugh! Can't do it.
I love the way William clears his throat to fill awkward silences. I love that he goes by his full name, not Will or—Lord help me—Billy. I love that he cares enough about animals to volunteer at the Animal Rescue League. And, on a purely shallow level, he’s freakin’ hot.
We have a connection. I think. On the way over here, I talked myself into making a move. Ugh! Can't do it.
*
I worked with Jordan today. It could be wishful thinking, but I feel such a connection. Sometimes the feeling is so strong I want to scream, “Hey, let’s do this thing!” I can barely stand when there’s silence, because the urge is overwhelming.
Besides being drop-dead gorgeous, Jordan has the biggest heart. And I'm a total sucker for the brown hair/blue eyes combo. We have so much in common.
Every time we work together, I leave pissed off at myself for letting another opportunity pass. Why can't I just grow some balls? I’m scared to put myself out there again, that’s why. But I can’t go on like this much longer.
Besides being drop-dead gorgeous, Jordan has the biggest heart. And I'm a total sucker for the brown hair/blue eyes combo. We have so much in common.
Every time we work together, I leave pissed off at myself for letting another opportunity pass. Why can't I just grow some balls? I’m scared to put myself out there again, that’s why. But I can’t go on like this much longer.
*
“Oh, those kids,” I groan under my breath as the last volunteer walks out the door. “Gah!”
“Who?”
“William and Jordan.”
“Still no progress, huh?” Jan, my co-volunteer coordinator shakes her head, chuckling. “Maybe we outta lock them in the storeroom. Remember that game Seven Minutes in Heaven?”
“I really thought William would make a move today. He seemed like he was working himself up to it.”
“Just keep scheduling them together, Cupid,” she says. “If something’s there, it’ll happen.”
I scoop up the stuffed envelopes, turn off the coffee pot, and grab my jacket and purse.
“I don’t know,” I sigh. “One of those boys seriously needs to man up.”
“Who?”
“William and Jordan.”
“Still no progress, huh?” Jan, my co-volunteer coordinator shakes her head, chuckling. “Maybe we outta lock them in the storeroom. Remember that game Seven Minutes in Heaven?”
“I really thought William would make a move today. He seemed like he was working himself up to it.”
“Just keep scheduling them together, Cupid,” she says. “If something’s there, it’ll happen.”
I scoop up the stuffed envelopes, turn off the coffee pot, and grab my jacket and purse.
“I don’t know,” I sigh. “One of those boys seriously needs to man up.”
#
This week's Trifecta Writing Challenge: The entry must be 33-333 words and include the word "melt" as defined below:
MELT
MELT
to make tender or gentle. SOFTEN
Word count: 333
Cupid at Xmas, I love it!
ReplyDeleteGreat story! I guess time will tell if Cupid's arrow is stronger than shyness :)
ReplyDeleteA nice twist to the story, I liked how you didn't reveal genders until the end.
ReplyDeleteI love the three different sides, all wanting the same thing. ♥♥♥
ReplyDeleteYou've got extra credit in my book - I always appreciate some good mathematical balance haha. Nice story! The three perspectives were a really nice way to tell it.
ReplyDeleteTara stole my comment
ReplyDeleteNow THAT is what I call a gender reveal party. Well done, Ivy
I was totally fooled by the voice in here -thought that it is a confused girl hungry for love/attention and who fell for any and every good looking boy she came across and then the last 111 took me to another level altogether-wow-what a turnaround and change of perspective;-)Loved it Ivy!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant use of bait and switch (sound of clapping)!
ReplyDeleteSuch a great story, Ivy! Suspense and writing at its best. Loved reading it, my friend.
ReplyDeleteFine stuff, and you gave good male voices there!
ReplyDeleteHaha, this is brilliant :D
ReplyDeleteAnd I believe extra credit si coming your way afterall :P
Man up...they sure do. Sweet story, Ivy. Well told, as always. :)
ReplyDeleteI also like that you didn't give this way until the end. Which I must say was a surprise, well done Ivy!
ReplyDeleteYou captured the voices of your two main characters wonderfully. Diamond ending! Thanks for linking up!
ReplyDeleteThat was fantastic! The third perspective threw me for a moment, until I realized what you'd done. Sweet, sweet story - I loved it.
ReplyDeleteOh this is perfect.. so many switches and turns.. really enjoyed it...
ReplyDeleteI loved the three perspectives, the matchmaker and the twist. And awesome 111 times 3.
ReplyDeleteI do need to whine a bit about the lovesick schoolgirl, though. *whines*
Okay, you really nailed the three different voices. And sweetness : )
I love this, Ivy! I adore a good love story-and I like to imagine this one will end in happily ever after. (As long as that first move is made!)
ReplyDeleteI agree about the ending being diamond too! Perfection, sweetie!
oh I loved this, Ivy! And your 111 x 3 math is extra awesome - extra credit indeed. The characters and their longing felt so real. Great job!
ReplyDeleteFun take on the prompt x 3!!
ReplyDeleteOh, Ivy. I was talking to a friend about probably trying a gay love story, but I don't think I could ever match up to this. I just had to come back and read your piece because I remember it being so good!
ReplyDeleteI miss you on the Trifecta. And I just read the other post on your blog about you and your family of miscreants, hehe. totally cracked me up at work. Shame on you, haha.
TPM--my favorite Harry Potter-obsessed blogger! :)
DeleteYou are so incredibly sweet! I can't tell you how touched I am that you came back for a visit.
Don't sell yourself short; I have every confidence that you could write an amazing gay love story. As you see, I've been neglecting my blog of late. I also haven't been visiting other blogs. But if you decide to tackle such a story--and you totally should--please come back here and post the link. I'd love to read it.
I'm glad you enjoyed our Christmas wrap sheet. Lol! I like to keep things interesting. I wonder what my warped mind will come up with this year.
Thanks again for stopping by and leaving such a wonderful comment. When my life settles down, I'll be getting back into writing prompts. Hopefully, I'll see you around. :)