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“Maybe you should talk to Kimberly about this,” Julia says, referring to my therapist. “She will be more help than I am.”

I groan. “I know, but I need help right now, and my next appointment isn’t for another week, Jules.”

“Okay, okay,” she concedes.

“What do I say back?”

“Well, do you want to go to the street dance with him?”

I pause for a moment. “I think I do,” I respond. “But Julia, I can’t go alone.”

“Let me check the calendar. Maybe Tiff and I can come down for the weekend.”

“Oh god, that would be amazing,” I breathe, some of my anxiety lessening. “Wait, what should I say?”

“Tell him you will go. You can do this, Hannah. You’llregret it if you don’t. Even if he wants to see you as a friend, this will be so good for you. Exposure therapy, remember?”

I take a deep breath. “Right. Okay, I can do this.” I type out my response.

Me

That would be fun. Could I invite my sister and sister-in-law, too?

His reply is almost instant.

Thomas

Of course, the more the merrier! I’m sure my brothers will be there with their significant others.

I let out a sigh of relief. If Julia and Tiff are there, then maybe I can do this. I just need someone by my side. Right?

Me

Great, it sounds like fun.

Thomas

I think it will be.

8

THOMAS

The superhero underwear did their job after all. Talking with Hannah that little bit was enough to make me feel on top of the world. However, I know this, I’m not wearing my special underwear until that night though. Gotta save their power for the good stuff.

There’s still a week before the street dance, but I want to talk to her more, maybe even see her again before then. I debated whether or not to keep texting her after last night, but I can’t help it. I want to talk to her more, show her I’m interested in her. I’ve just finished my shift, and am sitting on the couch when I send her another text.

Me

Hey, Hannah. How was your day?

I fiddle with a loose string on my sweatpants, feeling oddly nervous as I wait for a response. I shouldn’t be nervous, yet I am. Ever since I opened myself to the idea of a relationship, of the potential of something more in my life after nearly giving up hope, I let myself dream for a moment, and it’s her. She’s all I can think about.

Hannah

It was good. I had the day off, so I ran a few errands, and took my Grandma to an appointment. What about you?

I smile as I read her message. It’s nothing special, but it's a conversation.