Watch out! Flying flat thing coming our way! Diesel barks.

Simon holds one arm high in the air, reaching for the Frisbee even as he backpedals. When the yellow disc begins its downward arc, his fingers clamp around it. Simon pauses, and Diesel’s tail begins its triple wag.

“Hey, Morgan!” he calls. “Hey, Peanut! How’s it going?”

My mouth goes dry. I feel short all over again.

“Fine,” Morgan answers for both of us, waving and grinning. Diesel strains at the leash to pull her over to Simon. I race after with the stroller.

As we draw closer, I can’t lift my eyes. If I do, I will have to see his face and speak to him. So instead I end up staring at his bare chest. This is so embarrassing.

Diesel’s tail slaps against my leg. I love this boy. Can we add him to our pack?

No.

Morgan nudges me and I glance her way. She raises her eyebrows and nods. I know that means I’m supposed to say something.

My eyes finally lift. “How are you?”

“Great.” He squats to talk to the dog. “And what’s this puppy called?”

“Diesel,” I answer.

He pats the dog and turns to Luanne. “Hi there, cutie. What’s your name?”

Luanne just stares back at him, almost the way I do.

“This is my cousin, Luanne.” Progress. I put five words together this time.

“Hey, Luanne, are you coming to play in the park?”

I like the way his eyes crinkle as he smiles.

Pat me, pat me! I love and admire you. Diesel goes crazy, slobbering over him for attention.

“Hey, Diesel. Do you like Frisbee?” Simon holds the yellow disc in front of his muzzle.

Let me sink my teeth into it. I would like that.

“Well, he loves catching stuff.” The good thing about having Diesel along is people will talk to him and then I can answer for him. Thank you, Diesel!

I am happy to bite the yellow plate for you.

“But Diesel’s not too good at bringing anything back.” Having a dog makes it way easier to carry on a conversation about nothing. Especially with someone everyone crushes on.

“Wanna try?” Simon asks Diesel.

Yes, yes. Throw the dish.

“How about you, Peanut?”

Short, short. Peanut. “Nah, I’ve got Luanne.”

“Go ahead.” Morgan winks at me. “I’ll watch her.”

Why is she winking? She knows I’m a klutz. Does she want me to look stupid in front of Simon? “I won’t be very good. Diesel can do it.”

Simon curls back his hand and sends the Frisbee sailing.

I quickly unsnap Diesel’s leash and he tumbles after it.

Oh yes. Oh yes. This is something at which I am skilled.

The Frisbee has a head start, and Diesel gallops a good dog’s length behind. Suddenly, he leaps into the air, stretches full out, and snaps his jaws onto the rim.

Gotcha!

Morgan and Luanne cheer. Teeth clenched around the Frisbee, Diesel grins.

From the other end of the field, Tom comes running. “Wow! Let’s put that dog on DogTok!” he calls. He whips out a cellphone from his back pocket. “Can you get him to do it again?”