59

JUSTIN

I stood outside Astrid’s house, feeling like my chest was about to burst out of my chest. My palms were sweaty, and no matter how many times I wiped them on my jeans, they stayed damp. The butterflies had been relentless all day, twisting my stomach into knots since the moment I woke up. I could still hear Jonah and Ryder’s teasing voice echoing in my head from earlier.

“So, you are taking Astrid on a date?” Ryder smirked, folding his arms over his chest, clearly enjoying my discomfort.

“Yeah, she finally said yes...” I had replied, trying to play it cool.

“So where are you taking her, man?” Ryder asked, now grinning like a child with candy.

I chucked nervously, shaking my head. “It is a secret,” I said, smirking. There was no way I was letting this out. The truth was, I hadn’t completely figured out whether the spot I chose would be the right one, but I hoped it would make her happy.

Jonah laughed, nudging my shoulders. “Oh come on, Justin. You have been acting like a lov