Free Dream Date by Ivan Kendrick

again checked her school e-mail for new homework, Amanda looked up. She found herself looking right into Nathan’s eyes. He had just walked out of the library, followed by an attractive raven-haired woman.
    Who is she? Amanda thought, surprised to feel a pang of jealousy coursing through her. The woman did not notice her, but Nathan did. He seemed like he wanted to sit next to her, but continued to walk forward. Nathan looked back at the woman. They began talking.
    Does he already have a girlfriend? If so, what the hell is he doing, acting like he’s interested in me?
    Amanda shook her head, determined not to look too much into it. For all she knew, the woman was just Nathan’s friend. No need to blow things out of proportion. Amanda barely even knew him.
    To distract herself, she started on her homework.
     
    Nathan walked back to his dorm after leaving Kayla at hers. He dropped his backpack at the foot of the couch and then sat down. He began to think.
    What am I going to do? Nathan thought. He never thought he would be torn for two women, even though he’d known it was possible. Nathan had hoped he wouldn’t have to go through such an ordeal.
    Nathan still wasn’t sure whether Amanda’s return would spell trouble for him or not. All he wondered is whether he’d be at peace. If Nathan couldn’t have Amanda, it would feel like torture, no matter how beautiful Kayla was.
    I can’t hurt her, Nathan thought, picturing Kayla’s face in his mind.
    At that moment, Ashton walked out of his bedroom.
    “ Hey, bro,” he greeted Nathan, who looked up. “I heard you entering. Are you all right?”
    “ Yeah, I’m just tired,” Nathan said, sighing.
    “ Still lusting after Amanda, right?”
    “ You know full well it’s not lusting. I loved her so much back in the day.”
    “ Do you still do?”
    “ I like to tell myself that I don’t. Kayla is the woman I love now, Ashton. I don’t want to break her heart. She’s crazy about me.”
    “ So you love Kayla, right? But you desire Amanda so much?” Ashton clarified, and Nathan nodded. “Why don’t you try dating Amanda? You could find out which of them you’d rather have. Which one you like the most.”
    “ That sounds simple when you say it that way. But that would mean I’d be cheating on Kayla.”
    “ She doesn’t have to know you’re seeing Amanda.”
    He didn’t just say that.
    “ Ashton, that’s exactly the definition of cheating . I’m not having a tryst with Amanda behind Kayla’s back. No way.”
    “ Your loss, man. Resisting her is like resisting…well, I can’t find a suitable comparison.”
    Don’t I know? Nathan thought. How tough resisting Amanda is?
    “ If you can’t have them both, then choose one. I must admit it’s a tough choice. The two of them are gorgeous.”
    Ashton retreated into the kitchen to find something to eat. Nathan remained in the sofa, frustrated.
    Why did you have to return, Amanda, why? When I can’t have you?
    Nathan wondered whether it would be worth it to pursue a relationship with Amanda.
    Worth it? Of course Amanda’s more than worth the effort. I should take a leap of faith.
    Nathan laughed at the absurdity of his wish.
    Leap of faith. More like leap of madness. I’m ordinary. Wanting to date Amanda is like wanting to date Emma Watson. They’re the ultimate unavailable girl.
    Nathan stood up, debating whether he should take action or let the chips fall where they may.
     
    The following day, Nathan used his lunch break at work to call Marissa. He’d spent almost the entire day trying to convince himself that he should make that call. There was something he needed to ask her.
    Marissa picked up the call after the first few rings.
    “ Hi, Nathan. How are you?”
    Nathan hesitated for a bit before speaking.
    “ Uh—great. I’m great. How are you?”
    “ Spectacular. I’ve come up with a new idea for a dress that I’m totally in love with. I can’t wait to bring it from concept to finished