"I thought that it was impressive." 

She thought I  was impressive. Did that mean attractive too? I stared at her shocked from what I just heard.

"Th-Thank you. Um, you too," I stuttered.

She raised an eyebrow at me, "No prob."

She stood up and took more grapes on her way out. I turned back to the group with my jaw hanging open. Saffron had his hand over his mouth, Bellamy looked shocked and Amelia and Prudence were desperately holding in their laughter until she was out of range. 

"You guys did see what I saw right?" I asked.

"Yup," replied Elgort, indifferent as always.

"You said 'you too'," Amelia laughed.

"Stop, my braincells disappeared," I complained.

"Yeah I can tell," she said.

"Maybe she's so powerful she stole your braincells to dominate the conversation," Bellamy explained.

"Exactly, Bellamy, thank you. Anyways," I continued," they're announcing the winners of the weightlifting soon. I need to go collect my prize like the queen I am."

. . . 

The day was wrapping up and by this time everyone had ran out of energy and was lounging under the sun. 

"We leave in 20 minutes. I suggest you all start getting ready soon," one of the teachers said over the megaphone.

I was basking in the sun and looked over to see Prudence start giving away leftover fruit. The bowl had stains of red from the chips. Some had gotten stolen when we left it unattended. That's fine. It means I'm a handful of chips healthier than them. I stood up off the grass and pulled on my sweatpants. As I packed my things I remembered that I hid my Chipotle gift card underneath my bag. I was upset to find that it wasn't there.

"Have any of you guys seen my gift card?" I asked

"Did you not put it in your bag," Bellamy replied.

"No."

"Hmm well maybe it fell on the floor."

I looked underneath the tables and the chairs. I searched the same places three times each feeling more and more distressed. I sat down on my pool chair and sighed. The reward from taking down the boys has disappeared. 

"Well look on the bright side," Prudence cheered, "You're one bowl of Chipotle healthier."

I looked sadly at her, "I suppose."

We were done putting together our things and most people had already left. We were heading out the door when I was suddenly clapped on the back. I stumbled and the same blonde girl brushed past me. As if in slow motion we made eye contact and she winked at me. As quickly as she appeared she was gone.

Recollecting myself, I reached back and found a piece of paper. 

I recently found a Chipotle gift card. Wanna come spend it with me tmr at noon? 320-546-3739

I stared silently at the note. Was I mad that she stole my money or was I happy that she was basically asking me on a date? 

"What does it say?" Amelia asked.

"Um. I think it's an invitation," I said handing it to her.

"When did she take the gift card? I never even saw her walk by," said Saffron.

. . . 

"Thanks for driving me," I said to Amelia as we pulled up to my house.

"You're welcome. Have fun on your date," she laughed.

"Yeah sure. If I go missing you know what happened," I responded.

I watched as she drove off and walked up the steps to my front door. My parents were at work right now and my brother was sitting in the living room playing video games. Plenty of me time. I made a bee line to my room and my bed squeaked as I plopped on it. Good to know this isn't the spot to get railed. I pulled out the note and stared at the number. Do I text? Do I call? I took a deep breath and reminded myself that she stole my belongings. I was simply going to confront her.

I typed the number into my contacts and typed Hey. I paused and my thumb hovered over the send button. Just do it, girl. She probably isn't a serial killer. I closed my eyes and sent the text. Then I tossed my phone across my bed. I laid there trying to think of something to do so I could distract myself. 

Ding.

My phone! I reached over to grab it and saw that she had texted back.

Hey stranger. You coming to Chipotle?

I still dont know your name

Is that important

Yeah stranger

Lindsey

Dont worry I know who you are

Uh huh. Im only coming to retrieve my card

Im leaving right after

No lunch? :(

I dont eat lunch with thieves

We'll see about that 

So it was decided. I was going to meet her at Chipotle tomorrow at noon.

~Saturday~

I hopped out of the shower and looked through my closet for something to wear. I was wondering what look to go for. Casual or formal. Why does it matter it's not like it's a date. But I still wanna look nice...

 I bonked myself on the head to make myself think straight. We'll go casual. I put on a pair of jeans and tank top. Today was warmer than yesterday so I wanted to make sure I was comfy. I put on my favorite Victoria's Secret perfume and headed out the front door with my skateboard.

Hey

Are you here yet

I'm on my way

Ok I'll be on the bench just outside the door 

Sure

As I approached the Chipotle building I saw Lindsey sitting on the bench. She was wearing black jeans with a white crop top and a gold belt and necklace. Her hair was done up in a ponytail and she held a pink purse. 

She was on her phone, so I cleared my throat to get her attention. She looked up at me and stood up.

"Well?" I said, holding out my hand.

She slapped my hand, giving me a high five and I narrowed my eyes at her.

"What? No sense of humor? C'mon. The food is inside," she explained.

"But I don-"

"Don't be so stubborn. Have you eaten lunch yet?"

"No."

"Exactly. That's what we're doing now."

Without waiting she entered the building and I had no choice but to follow. We walked up to the counter once it was our turn and she motioned for me to go first. I ordered my bowl and she watched me intently. Why does she always stare at me? Once she got her burrito we went to sit at the barstools just in front of the window.

"So I see you skateboarded here," she started, "you live near?"

"Yeah pretty close I guess. You?"

"Just a 7-10 minute drive away."

We sat and ate in silence for a moment. I turned to ask her a question.

"Wa-"

"Do-"

Shit.

"You can go first," she told me.

"Was stealing my Chipotle card the best way for you to get me out?"

"I wanted to be a bit bold. Besides, $25 is a lot of money for just one person at Chipotle. Sharing is caring," she answered.

"Hmm. Well," I paused, "All you have to is ask."

"I'll keep that in mind. Now on to my question. Do you go to the gym often?"

"Yeah. Like three times a week," I explained while chewing.

"Do any of your friends go with you?"

"No. I don't think they're interested."

"Does anyone go with you?"

"Nope. Just me," I turned towards my food and took a few bites. When I looked back at Lindsey she was staring out the window and drumming her fingers on the counter.

"You should text me," she said while brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear, "the next time you go to the gym. Maybe I can tag along."