One Shots
Jeff Skinner
Jeff took you out on an old-fashioned date, asking your father for permission before he picked you up. The first part was easy, an old black-and-white movie that you loved at a private screening. The second part was dinner, at a high-end, fanciful restaurant. You didn’t make much more than small talk there, instead immersing yourself in the atmosphere and cuisine, all the while still making it enjoyable for both parties.
By the time you were done, the night had darkened and the full moon risen. The night was still warm, the light of the moon reflecting upon the water of the river, making the shadows leap and dance.
"Do you want to go for a walk?" Jeff asked hopefully. "It’s a beautiful night, and I-your dad doesn’t need you back for another two hours."
"Don’t worry about my dad; he’s all bark and no bite," you chuckled, reaching for his hand to tug him along the riverbank trail. You only let go once you came to a a small, rocky section, clambering down the bank and picking up a smooth, flat stone to skip along the water’s surface.
Bending low and flicking your wrist, the rock sailed over the shallow river, bouncing twice before sinking and sending ripples through the flowing stream.
Jeff climbed down after you then, picking his way down the slope. Trying to imitate you, he picked up a random rock, tossing it and laughing when it just plummeted down with a splash.
"Want me to teach you?" you asked, picking your way over to him and moving around to his backside. "Here," you said, tossing a small, flat, rounded stone at him, which he caught with ease. "Now, let me guide you."
You took his hand in yours, pressing his fingers into the proper grip. “Think of it like taking a snap shot,” you murmured. Crouch, fold wrist in- “Snap shot..,” you reminded him- flick, and release. The stone flew, skipping a total of four times before finally sinking.
"Whoa, that was pretty cool," Jeff breathed in amazement, glancing shyly at you. "Thanks."
Your only reply was to pick up another flat rock and toss it to him. “Try it again!”
You spent another half hour tossing the rocks at the water, laughing when attempts to skip them failed, and celebrating when they skipped and sailed. Eventually, you ran out of suitable stones, and clambered up the bank back to the path, holding hands as he walked you home under the starlight.
