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isn’ t just a myth. It’s reality. Even in the bigger cities, you still experience the “hometown” atmosphere. Everyone speaks or throws a hand up as you pass by. Young people hold the doors open for the elderly. Kids treat their elders with respect while earning respect in return.
    People talk a little different down South. We tend to speak a little slower and twangier than the rest of the country. Some say we sound uneducated. I like to say we just think before we speak. Once you say something, you can’t take it back.
    As we walk, Declan t urns to me and asks, “So, Quincy. What do you think about it? Wanna go?” I have been so lost in thought that I have no idea what he’s asking. Silently, I just nod my head. What did I just agree to?
    I see Jenn a standing just inside Starbucks. She looks nervous as she fidgets with her hands and looks around. I’m not used to seeing Jenna like this, but I have an idea what it means. When we walk in, she looks relieved to see me. Looks like I’m not the only one in foreign territory here.
    “We picked up a stray on the way over,” Eric jokes. Jenna’ s eyes shine brighter, and her face looks like it might split open. I see nothing but pure adoration on her face, and even though I’m happy for her, I wish I knew exactly what I wanted, too.
    “I claim her most of the time.” Jenna plays along. “So, you guys want to g et something to eat or drink?”
    “I’m just going to get a water. It’s so warm outside, I can’t imagine drinking anything hot.” I’m not much of a coffee drinker anyway. I know most of my friends can’t live without it, but I have never enjoyed the smell or taste of it.
    We place our orders and claim a table in the corner. “We were talking about going to a bonfire this weekend. It’s a fraternity tradition. Quincy already said she would come, so now you’ll have to go, too.” Declan looks proud of himself. And I finally know what I agreed to earlier. Honestly, I’m relieved that’s all it is.
    As the guys take turns telling us about their annual bonfire, I study Declan. He is so handsome, in a classic kind of way. His short, buzzed hair loo ks so soft, I’d like to run my hand over it. His eyes are very dark, but they seem to change color when the light hits them just right. Chocolate to espresso back to chocolate. He is so sweet and attractive that any girl would be lucky to have him. I would be lucky to have him.
    I have a job interview, so I say my goodbyes and get up to leav e. Declan stops me, “Hey, Quincy, would you like to watch a movie tonight or sometime?” For just a second, he looks as if he thinks I might say no.
    “Sure. When and where?” I smile to myself. It just feels so normal to be standing here with him, making plans to see him later.
    “Um, I live at the fraternity house, so we’d have to watch the movie in my room. Is that OK with you?” That means Brody must also live in the fraternity house. Being in Declan’s room may not be a bad thing. I’m not sure if I want to run into Brody again today.
    “I don’t know. I’m n ot sure I can trust you,” I joke. But I really do trust him. I like to think I can read people pretty well, and there are no red flags here.
    “Come over around 7:00, and I’ll try not to lock you in my closet.” It is so easy to joke and laugh with him.
    With ou r plans made, I walk away, wondering if tonight will be considered a date. I decide it doesn’t matter. I’m just happy about the way the day is turning out.

 
    Chapter 9
     
    My job interview is at The Player’s Lounge. I worked as a server one su mmer, and for now, it is the only job experience I have. Player’s is not far off the UT campus, so it caters to the younger crowd. A girl in my pre-calculus class works there, and she said it was a fun place to work.
    From outside, it’s very unassuming. It just looks like a plain blo ck building with a huge deck that wraps around it. But the moment I walk inside, I am