ooooooooo
When I reached campus, it had started to drizzle. I tugged my shirt closer to my body to ward off the chill as I picked up my pace across campus. When I reached Booker Hall I jogged up the steps, not paying attention to what I was doing. The one person I wanted to avoid was right there with me.
“Hey!” Evan smiled as we both reached for the door handle at the same time.
“Hi.” I gave a tight smile as I released the door, and let him pull it open.
His smile turned down as a confused look washed over his face. He tugged at his shirt where it was fitting rather snuggly on his chest, and sniffed it. Next, he did a quick check of his armpits. “I don’t smell, so why do you detest me so much?”
“Detest?” I pinched my lips together to keep from laughing. Who uses words like detest?
“I’ve said hi every day, and every day you work really hard to get away from me.” He kept pace beside me as we walked down the hallway to class.
“I’m busy,” I muttered.
“Too busy to say hi?” He chuckled as we reached the door to the classroom.
“Hi.” I forced a smile on my face as I glanced up at him. He really didn’t deserve my weirdness, but I couldn’t be friends with him. I had terrible judgement when it came to men. Nate was proof. I’d never put myself out there again for something like that to happen. I finally escaped all the videos and pictures about a year ago. I will never go back there.
“Why was that so hard?” Evan laughed this time. His head tipped back as his hair ruffled, and I used that moment to sneak past him and claim a desk that already had someone next to it.
“See ya after class.” He lifted his chin as he selected a seat on the other side of the room.
I tried, I really did, but I don’t remember what the professor talked about that day. The entire time he was teaching all I could think about was the fact that Evan was trying not so subtly to stare at me. When the bell rang announcing class was finished, I rushed to get out of there. Evan was talking to another guy in the class, so I thought I might actually get away, but I was wrong.
“Wait up!” he called as he jogged down the steps of Booker with his backpack bouncing on his back.
“I have to get to class.” I waved my hand in the air, but as my sleeve started to ride up, I quickly wrapped my arms around myself and tugged at the fabric.
“I won’t keep you long.” He caught up to me, and when his hand landed on my shoulder, I spun towards him ready to fight. I didn’t like to be touched, and the look on Evan’s face said he knew he’d done something wrong.
“Sorry.” His hands flew up in a defense pose. “I didn’t mean to overstep.”
“It’s fine,” I muttered as I wrapped my arms tighter around my middle.
“No, it’s not. I obviously did something you don’t like. I’m sorry.” He shook his head, real concern written on his face. A cloud washed over him before it disappeared and the boyish grin was back. “Let me make it up to you. Do you drink coffee?”
“Sometimes.” I should have known what he was getting at, but my inexperience in the dating scene prevented it.
“Let me buy you a coffee sometime. There’s a great place right near the edge of campus. We can study after.” He shrugged. “Or not. I’m fine with just coffee.”
“I can’t.” I started to step away from him.
“Some other time, then.” He moved closer, and I shook my head.
“No. Sorry.” I turned and started walking to my next class.
“You gotta boyfriend or something?!” he yelled at my back.
“No!” I shouted over my shoulder as I began jogging away. He didn’t deserve that, nobody did, but I just couldn’t let myself go there. I wasn’t ready to date, or whatever that was. I wasn’t sure if I ever would be.
oooooooo
It’s been two days since Evan asked me to coffee. I’ve managed to avoid him, but it’s getting harder and harder. Yesterday, I almost missed class. I’d stalled myself so much that when I got to Booker Hall, I had to practically run to the classroom. There were only a handful of seats available, and luckily, I was able to snag one near the door. It made escaping easier.
Today, I was in a better mood. My brother had finally told me why he’d been so pissy lately. He’d run into an ex that he had to work with. He’d basically been an ass when they broke up, and now he was trying to be friends with her. She wasn’t having it though, and it bothered him. I don’t know what he expects. I’d be mean too.
As I was walking across campus today, I heard him… Evan. I know his voice now, and as soon as the sound hit my ears, I froze and started looking for him. “Hey.” He smiled as he jogged up to me. He was wearing another snug long-sleeved shirt, but he had basketball shorts on today. His hair was held back with a backwards baseball cap. “I thought that was you.”
“It’s me.” I sighed as I fidgeted.
“You usually come from that side of campus.” His brow furrowed.
I stiffened. Why did he know the routes I took? That was just creepy. “Had some stuff to do today.” I shrugged.
“I’ve been trying to set up that coffee date all week. You’ve been avoiding me.” He grinned as he rocked on his heels. “I decided to take matters into my own hands.” He smiled even bigger as he produced a paper coffee cup. “Picked this up on the way here this morning.” He motioned for me to take it. “Wasn’t sure how you took your coffee so I told the barista to surprise me.” He chuckled. “I hope it’s a good surprise.”
“Thanks?” It came out sounding like a question. I sniffed the small opening on the lid. It smelled like something caramel. I shrugged as I took a tentative sip.
“Well?” Evan chewed on his lip as if he was worried I’d throw the coffee at him.
“It’s ok,” I murmured. The truth was, it was delicious, but I couldn’t tell him that. I didn’t want him to think that this was ok. He might start making it a thing, and it can’t become a thing.
“Good.” He nodded in satisfaction. I started to move around him to make my way to class, but he stepped up beside me. “I’d really like to study with you sometime.” He broke the quiet surrounding us.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I sighed. “I’m really busy, and don’t have much time.”
“For studying? How do you get ready for tests and stuff?” He laughed.
“I study, just not in groups.”
“Well, I’m sure you could find a free moment. I think it would be good to help each other.” He reached for the door to our building and held it open.
“Maybe,” I mumbled. “If I have time, maybe.”
“Great.” He clapped his hands together as if he’d won something. “You can call me when you have a free night.”
“Sure.” I nodded. I didn’t have his number, and this was the perfect excuse to give him when he asked me next week why I never called him.
“I put my number on the cup,” he grinned, “you know, in case you needed it.”
I couldn’t help it. I laughed. I laughed louder and longer than I think I have in years. It was the first time I felt happy about something in what felt like forever. Maybe Evan wasn’t all bad. Maybe we could be friends. I’d ask Mason to check him out. He owed me for all the attitude he’s been giving me. I’d make him tell me if Evan seemed like a good guy. I wasn’t sure how it would work yet, but I’d figure something out.
Chapter 10
Jenni
Despite his offer to study, I went home alone after class today. I was confused by what I was feeling, and I didn’t trust myself. What if I let Evan in and he turned out to be just like Nate? What if he wanted to date to me, then what? I tugged at my sleeves just thinking about it. It was nervous habit I’d developed after the first person I’d run into mentioned them. I didn’t start out hiding them; it was the stares that made me.
I spent most of the afternoon and early evening sitting on the couch poring over my books. It was quiet. Mason was still a
t work, and wouldn’t be home until much later. When the sun set, leaving the apartment dark, I set my book down and leaned back on the couch. I was tired, and didn’t feel like moving. It didn’t take long for my eyes to drift shut, and sleep to consume me.
I don’t know how long I napped for. I was awoken to the lock jingling, and Mason muttering to himself. I sat up just as the door opened, and the light came on. Mason jumped like I’d scared him. “Sorry.” He pushed the door closed. “Anything interesting happen tonight?” He tossed his keys on the counter.
“Not really.” I lifted a shoulder before leaning back on the couch. “Spent most of the night studying.”
“How was class today?” he called out as he walked toward his room.
“It was ok, I guess.” I lowered my voice as I thought about Evan. “I met a guy.” I forced the words out. I’d been sitting on the information since the semester started. If I was going to ask Mason for his opinion, I needed to at least mention Evan.
“Oh yeah?” He came back out to the living room. He had this weird look on his face like he wasn’t sure he heard me right.
“He wants to meet for coffee, and to study.”
“What do you want to do?” He stepped closer, and softened his voice.
“I don’t know.” I sighed as I tugged at my sleeves again. “I don’t know if I’m ready.” I chewed my lip as I peered up at him. “What if he sees?”
“Jenni.” He sighed. “If he says something to you about that, then he’s not the right guy. The right guy won’t care.” He sat down beside me and pulled me into his arms, hugging me tightly in the process.
“Thanks.” I pulled back, and leaned forward to gather the papers that were scattered in front of us. “I think I just need to get some sleep. I’ll see you in the morning,” I mumbled as I carried my things to my room.
oooooooo
When I woke up this morning, I was in a surprisingly good mood. It was a beautiful day outside. I smiled as I waltzed into the kitchen. “Morning.” I grinned.
“You sure are happy today.” Mason rubbed his eyes.
“And you…aren’t?” I laughed lightly.
“Thanks, Captain Obvious. I’ve had a lot of extra things happening at work.” He reached for a banana on the counter.
“You making nice with Dani yet?” I grinned as his brows furrowed. “I guess that’s a no?”
“It’s a big fat no.” He sighed as he peeled the banana and took a big bite. “It’s a ‘she’d like me to drop dead’ kinda no.”
“Sorry.” I grimaced.
“I’m going in to the bar early again today. Want a ride?” He reached for his keys.
“Sure.” I bounced on my toes. “Can I get door to door service?” I giggled. There was a road on campus that ran right beside Booker Hall. If Mason took it, he could drop me off right by the main door. I might be able to avoid running into Evan this way.
“Get your things and meet me downstairs.” He shook his head as he laughed. “I like this version of you. Reminds me of the brat who used to harass me in high school.”
I went to grab my backpack while Mason headed downstairs. We only lived on the second floor, but he was always rushing ahead.
oooooooo
“Thanks.” I smiled as I shoved open the car door.
“See ya tonight.” Mason waved as I climbed out. “Hey, Jenni? Maybe you should say yes to coffee. Today seems like a good day to say yes.”
“Maybe.” I shrugged. “See you tonight.” I shut the door, and began walking toward Booker. I could hear the roar of Mason’s engine as I jogged up the steps.
“Morning.” His voice caused me to stumble slightly, and when I looked up, I was met with soft brown eyes filled with gold flecks. “He your boyfriend?”
“Hi, Evan.” My cheekiness from this morning was making me braver than I usually am. “Stalker much?”
“Brought you something.” He held out a paper cup with the same messy handwriting on the side. “Thought you might like it since you drank the last one.”
“It was ok.” I grinned.
“So, boyfriend?” He turned to follow me into the building.
“Why does that matter?” I shot him a look over my shoulder.
“It doesn’t.” He shrugged.
“Ok, then. Thanks for the coffee.” I held the cup up in acknowledgment as I began weaving through the desks to find a seat on the far side of the room.
“I put my number there again since you seemed to have lost it the last time. Maybe we can study this weekend.” He grinned before turning to find his own seat.
I shook my head as a warm feeling settled over me. Today marked the day that I started to feel normal again. I was a long way from being like the old Jen, but this Jen wasn’t as scared as she used to be.
oooooooo
Class was actually interesting to me today. I paid attention more than usual, and the staring that Evan was doing didn’t seem to bother me as much. I even smiled at him at one point, I think.
When the bell rang to end class, I took my time gathering my books. Usually, I rushed out of class to avoid talking to him, but today I didn’t want to. When I stepped through the classroom door, Evan was waiting right on the other side in the hallway.
“See ya tomorrow.” I lifted the coffee in his direction.
He shoved off of where he was leaning against the wall, and jogged to catch up with me. “So, you’re talking to me?” He laughed.
“You brought me coffee. I kinda have to now.” I shrugged as I lifted my backpack higher on my shoulder.
“Good point.” He nodded as his lips turned up in a grin.
“He’s not my boyfriend.” I glanced over at him, and when he didn’t respond, I added, “He’s my brother.”
“Wouldn’t have mattered anyway.” His cockiness began pouring off him. “So, studying? Wanna meet somewhere this weekend?”
“I don’t know.” I nibbled my lip. I needed to get over this, but fear was strangling me. It was like this invisible rope wrapped around my entire body, and whenever Evan was around he tightened it to the point that I couldn’t move.
“You worried about being alone with me, or something?” He stopped walking and reached for my elbow to halt me.
I pulled away, fear and shock filling my eyes. I tried to hide it, but I wasn’t fast enough.
“My bad.” He held his hands up. “How about somewhere public? I have to work on Saturday. You could meet me at the mall, and we could study in the food court after I get off.” His head tipped to the side.
“The mall?” I furrowed my brow.
“Yeah. I work at the bookstore.” He laughed. When I didn’t answer, he added, “Don’t I look like someone who would work in a bookstore?”
“No.” I was honest. He looked like a mix of an athlete and a fraternity boy, not a bookstore guy.
“Thanks.” He roared with laughter. “You know, I actually study, and do well in my classes. Don’t let these awesomely good looks fool you.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t.” I rolled my eyes.
“So, Saturday?” He put his hands together in front of himself as if he was praying.
“Maybe. I’ll have to think about it.” I smiled.
“I finish my shift at three. Just meet me there.” He started walking backwards away from me.
“I didn’t agree to anything yet.” I laughed.
“You will.” He winked, and then turned to jog away. I watched him for a few minutes until he was joined with some other guys. I didn’t know who they were, but Evan seemed to. They were laughing and shoving each other while one was looking around. Evan nodded, and then they disappeared from sight.
The more I saw of him, the more he seemed to be like Nate. It should scare me, but part of me misses the feeling that I used to have. I miss having someone look at me the way I thought Nate did. I miss the hugs and kisses that come from a genuine connection. I wasn’t sure if Evan would ever be that, or if I could even let him, but that tiny possi
bility that I was feeling gave me hope that I hadn’t had in a long time.
oooooooo
When I came home from class, Mason was already at the apartment. It was odd; he never came home early. “Bad day?” I tossed my backpack on the couch as I came in the door.
“Eh.” He shrugged. “Dani stopped glaring at me, so I guess it wasn’t too bad today.”
“You need to talk to her about everything.” I sighed as I kicked my shoes off.
“You think I haven’t tried? She won’t stay in the same room as me right now.” He threw his hands in the air.
“You still love her, don’t you?” I grinned at him. I knew my brother. Feelings weren’t something he liked to admit to. Dani was somebody completely different for him, and he’s loved her since they were kids.
“You already know the answer to that.” He scrubbed his hands down his face.
“What are you doing tomorrow?” I changed the subject because I could tell he didn’t want to talk about Dani anymore. “I need a favor.”
“You know tomorrow is my late night. I’m free until about five. What do you need?” He let his head fall back on the couch so he was looking at the ceiling.
“I wanna go to the mall. Say around noon. I need some things.”
“What things?” he mumbled.
“Girl things.” I glared at him. I wanted him to stop asking questions and just say yes. Anything of the female variety seemed to do that to him.
“Sure.” He sighed. “I’ll take you to the mall. I need to get a few things anyway. We’ll make a day out of it.” His head rolled to the side. “How do you feel about pizza for dinner?”
“I feel great about pizza.” I clapped.
“Good. I’ll order dinner. Why don’t you pick a movie? We can just chill tonight.” Mason motioned to the remote.
“Ok.” I grinned as I grabbed the remote and started flipping through the choices.
On Broken Wings (The Witness Series Book 7) Page 7
