Mazie looked across the mall, absentmindedly bending the straw in her drink. Why wasn't Johnnie here yet? Then, she spotted him, standing right outside The Pottery Barn with another boy she didn't recognize.

Ignoring the other boy, Mazie stared lovingly at Johnnie, his ripped jeans, his pale complexion, his shaggy auburn hair, those pimples peppered across his cheeks and chin like freckles, and his favorite Oak Ridge Boys concert tee.

Johnnie waved goodbye to the boy, then strolled up to when Mazie was sitting. "Hey! Sorry I'm late!" Mazie nodded, choking back the jealousy.