Saturday arrived. Pires met Brain and Mark outside the mall. He felt nervous but excited. This was step three of the plan.
Remember, Brain said. This is a group hangout. Be cool. Don't try too hard. Let her get to know you.
Chloe arrived a few minutes later. She smiled when she saw Pires. Hey guys!
Hey Chloe, Pires said. He tried to sound calm.
They walked into the mall. The place was busy and loud. At first, they all walked together. Brain and Mark talked about a new video game. Pires walked beside Chloe.
So, do you come to the mall often? Chloe asked.
Sometimes, Pires said. Usually just with these guys. He pointed to Brain and Mark.
They walked into a music store. Chloe got excited. Look! The new Skyline album is here!She held up the CD.
You really like them, huh? Pires said.
I love them Chloe said. "Their songs are so good.
Pires saw his chance. This was what Brain meant about remembering what she liked.
We should listen to it sometime, Pires said. His heart beat fast.
Chloe smiled. Yeah, that would be cool.
After the music store, they got food at the food court. Brain and Mark sat at one end of the table. Pires and Chloe sat at the other end. It felt almost like a date.
They talked about school. They talked about TV shows. Pires discovered that Chloe was funny. She made him laugh. For a little while, he forgot about the plan. He was just having fun.
Then Brain gave him a look. It was a look that said make your move. The plan came rushing back.
When they finished eating, Brain stood up. Hey Mark, I need to look at something in the electronics store. You guys want to come?
Mark understood immediately. Yeah, let's go.
Brain looked at Pires and Chloe. We'll meet you guys in front of the movie theater in half an hour.
Before Pires could say anything, Brain and Mark walked away. Now he was alone with Chloe.
For a moment, panic set in. What should he do? What should he say?
Chloe saved him. Want to go look at the clothes? she asked.
Sure, Pires said, relieved.
As they walked through the mall, Pires felt different. He wasn't following Brain's plan anymore. He was just talking to a girl he liked. He was being himself.
When they met up with Brain and Mark later, Brain pulled Pires aside.
Well? How did it go?
It was good, Pires said. We just talked.
Did you ask her out? Brain asked.
Not yet, Pires said.
Brain looked disappointed. You need to move faster, man. Don't wait too long.
On the way home, Pires thought about the day. Part of him wanted to please Brain and follow the plan. But another part of him had enjoyed just talking to Chloe. Without a plan. Without tricks.
For the first time, Pires wondered if Brain's way was the only way. Maybe there was another path. A path where he could just be Pires.
But that path seemed scary and unknown. Brain's path was clear. And so far, it had worked.