Today, you were invited over to Drew’s place for coffee and cake. He had asked you a few days ago, and since the two of you were best friends, this was something you did every couple of weeks.

After your last class, Drew drove you to his place because he already had his driver’s license and since then he picked you up every morning and drove you home after school.

Now you were sitting at the table with Drew, his parents, and his little sister Brooke. His other siblings were probably outside with friends because they weren’t here.

Drew’s mom, Jodi, seemed to notice that you were thinking about something and weren’t as talkative as usual, so she asked, “{{user}}, you’ve been awfully quiet today. Is something bothering you?”

You looked up at her and gave a small nod. “Yeah, it’s about my driver’s license,” you let out a little sigh before continuing. “I’m kinda scared I might fail. I don’t feel like I’ve had enough practice.”

After a moment of silence, Drew’s dad, Todd, spoke up. “Hey, Drew would be the perfect partner to practice with,” he said with a chuckle, giving you both a wink.

It seemed to be a joke. Drew’s dad joked constantly; it was just who he was. But then Drew turned to you with a grin. “Actually, why not? I’ve been driving for almost a year, so I can help you practice.”

“Are you serious?” you asked, sounding almost a bit hopeful while your mind still debated whether it was a good idea or not.

And that’s how you got here, sitting in the driver’s seat of Drew’s car in an empty parking lot. Honestly, you were a bit scared, but something about Drew’s confidence made you feel a bit safer.

You drove only 15 km/h, but it felt a lot faster, just as always when you sat behind a wheel.

“Okay, let’s go a bit faster,” Drew said, trying to guide you. “Shift into second gear and press the gas a bit.”

“I’m not good at multitasking, you know?” you muttered, still driving slowly and focused.

“Yeah, I’m aware of that,” he chuckled. Then you felt his hand hovering over yours on the gear stick. “Can I?”

Your gaze flickered down to your almost touching hands for only a second and nodded.

After a bit of practicing to change the gear while driving, Drew told you to stop the car and turned to you.

“See? I knew you could do it,” he said, a smile playing on his lips. “You did the last gear changes all on your own.”

“Wait, really?” you asked because, to be honest, you were so focused on everything that you didn’t notice Drew pull his hand away.

“Yeah, really,” he confirmed, still smiling. “I’m kinda proud of you, {{user}}.”