The alley is not completely abandoned, so I try to stay out of sight. I slip my hands into the pockets of my blue jeans and lean on one of the parked cars. My heart jitters as soon as I spot Caleb coming down the street. He’s wearing dark blue jeans and a white shirt. His dark hair is messy and his steps are wide and strong. I wish I could feel as confident as he does when I step from around the car.“Hi,” he says, smiling. “Nice to see you again.”“You too.” Warmth flushes my cheeks.“Where do you want us to go?” he asks. “I know a place near here. No one will recognize you there.”“No, I...” I look down at my black sneakers. “I don’t really want to have sex right now.”“Then what do you want?” His voice is tense, and I look up to meet his serious gaze.“I want you to come with me somewhere. If you don’t mind.” I give him a shy look. “If you don’t want to, that’s okay. I’ll go alone.”“You should have said something...” His forehead wrinkles as he shuffles his feet.“I didn’t really know it back then,”
