My best friend Cherri and I were on our way out the door when I accidentally bumped into Phillip Taylor, who happened to be the hottest, most popular guy in the school. Every girl wanted to date him and every guy wanted to be him. When I looked at his face and realized who it was, my beating heart stopped and then began to pound. “I’m sorry,” he apologized. “No, I’m the clumsy one.” “Everyone is a little clumsy every now and then,” he said, with a smile. “You’re Sarah, right?” I glanced at Cherri’s surprised face. “Yes,” I said. “Sarah Logan.” We stared for a moment. Cherri nudged me, knocking our eyes out of contact. “Um, I better get going,” I said. “I’ll see you later.” “I hope so,” he said, catching me, again, by surprise. Later that evening, while I was helping my mother with supper, the doorbell rang. My mother went to answer it and a few moments later, came back with Phillip trailing behind her. My heart jumped into my throat. “Phillip,” I said. “Hello.” He looked at me for a moment. “I was wondering, if you weren’t busy, would you like to go for a ride with me?” I looked at my mother, my question in my eyes. “Go on,” she replied. “I can manage.” “Are you sure?” “Yes,” she said. “Go.” “Thank you,” I said. “I kissed her cheek and then Phillip and I walked out to his truck. “Your mother is a sweetheart,” Phillip said after we left my house. I smiled with pride. “I know.” “Reminds me of my mother,” he said, his smile fading. “She was always smiling.” “Was?” “She died a few years ago. Cancer.” “I’m so sorry.” “It’s all right,” he said. “I know she’s happy now.” He smiled at me. He drove around town for a while, talking and listening to the radio. (more…)