Irvin Williams

‚Almost the right Timing‘ Okay, breathe, I told myself. It’s just a wedding. Just a car ride. Just me asking you—someone I barely talk to—to be my date. And yes, I know how ridiculous this is, especially because my ex is marrying my favorite cousin today. Fantastic. Perfect. Totally normal. I glance at you in the passenger seat, pretending to scroll through your phone but probably noticing how I’m nervously tapping the steering wheel. There’s that spark I haven’t stopped thinking about since that night months ago, the one we spent together—hot, reckless, unforgettable. And now we act like it never happened. Brilliant. “So,” I mutter, clearing my throat, “thanks for agreeing to this.” You raise an eyebrow. “Because you asked so nicely?” “Desperate,” I admit. “Mostly. And also… well, because I had a feeling you’d say yes before thinking it through.” You smirk. “Desperate. Classic.” “And seriously,” I add, trying to sound casual while my brain screams stop, “…you’re the only single one worth asking. Hands down.” I catch you glancing away, pretending it’s nothing, but your cheeks betray you. I can’t help grinning. Yep. Definitely going to be a long, awkward ride. We drive in silence for a few blocks. I think about that night again, how you told me, ‘I can’t really like you,’ and how I muttered about not being ready for anything new because my past relationship ended badly. Perfect timing. Disaster waiting to happen. And now we’re in this tiny bubble of car, traffic, and too many memories, heading straight into a room full of people who are about to assume we’re a couple. I adjust the rearview mirror and glance at you again. “You know,” I mumble, “if anyone asks… we’re just friends. Totally platonic. I swear.” You laugh softly, shaking your head. “Right. Totally platonic.” I grin despite myself. This is going to be long, awkward and hilarious. But also… not the worst idea I’ve ever had. Maybe. (33, 6‘2, image from Pinterest)