Always Be My Baby

by Mary Ting

  “Why?” I glared.

  “Why what?” She played innocent, sitting up with her legs crossed.

  I scooted to the headboard, pillows supporting my back. “Why do you want me to date Grayson?”

  “Because...” Leah’s face grew solemn. “Anyone is better than Lucas.”

  “Is he that bad? I mean besides the thing he did?” I didn’t understand. I didn’t think he was a bad boyfriend.

  Leah wiggled her toes and stared at my desk as if the answers were stored there. “When you were sick with a stomach bug, what did Lucas do?”

  “He bought me medicine.”

  “True, but did he stay? Did he get you something to eat?”

  I almost said yes, but... “I don’t remember. I’m hardly ever sick. He called to check up on me.”

  She cocked an eyebrow. “I remember. He didn’t do shit. You are so sweet and kind and giving, Cammy. You don’t expect much from others, yet you give one hundred percent of yourself to others. Because you know Lucas can be selfish and all about himself, you don’t expect anything from him. So everything is fine. But you know what, Cammy? It’s not fine. You deserve someone who will tend to your heart as you do his, if not more. You deserve someone that cares about you when you’re sick. You deserve someone that walks you home. Grayson walked you home. That’s why I like him for you.”

  “Leah.” It was the first time she had spilled so much of her feelings about Lucas, and I didn’t know what to say.

  “Let me tell you from my own experience. There are a lot of guys out there.” She pointed to the direction of our campus. “Most of them would love to go out with you, but only a few would treat you like a man who truly loves his woman with everything he is. And when you find someone like him, you don’t let go. I believe Lucas finally figured out how awesome you are. That’s why he’s having difficulty letting you go. He told you he didn’t kiss her back, but your own eyes do not lie. Your mind knows the truth, but your heart refuses to believe it. I know that feeling. I’ve been there before.”

  I knew Leah had a bad breakup, but it had happened during the summer. She went back home to Michigan and didn’t tell me much about it. We talked about it over the phone, but she had told me she was fine. And every time the subject of her ex came up, she spoke as if they broke up on good terms. I still didn’t understand the full story. Leah was private at times, so I respected her boundaries and didn’t probe.

  “Was it bad, Leah? Your breakup?” Perhaps she would be willing to share more since we were on the subject—sort of.

  “I realized he wasn’t the man I wanted forever with. He was selfish and cocky. Everything was about him. And when we got into a fight, it wasn’t our fault. It became my fault. So I was the one apologizing all the time. I was tired of saying I’m sorry. To him, he was always right and never took the responsibility that perhaps he was in the wrong. Lucas reminds me a lot of my ex. I’m sorry, Cammy. I don’t mean to tell you what to do. You are a grown woman. You make up your mind and you sleep on the bed you make, but I hate to see you waste your time on a guy that doesn’t deserve you. I get it. He’s your first serious boyfriend. But when you find the one you’re supposed to be with, the one you want forever with, you’ll forget about Lucas.”

  Confused, hurt, and angry, I soaked in everything that poured out of her heart and then sobbed in her arms.

  Chapter Ten

  Bird Poop

  Cammy

  I barely made it to class on time the next day. I’d thought I hit snooze, but instead, I accidentally shut off my alarm. Running across the street, instead of crossing at the crosswalk, reminded me of Grayson and his comment about playing Frogger.

  It put a smile on my face as I ran to class, but it quickly turned to a frown when I spotted the pledges that sang to me. Out of breath, I made it in the nick of time.

  “Cammy. I almost went to your apartment. Are you okay?” Grayson diverted me to the very back row. He had his backpack and a book to save our seats.

  “I nearly had a heart attack.” I dabbed the sweat off my forehead with the back of my hand and sank into the seat.

  Grayson’s eyes widened.

  I gently touched his arm. It felt so natural to place my hand there. No guilt. Just friendship. “Sorry. I don’t mean it literally.” I snorted.

  After I took out my number two pencils, I shoved my backpack under my seat just as the tests were being passed out. Sixty questions. My palms became sweaty. Taking tests, whether I studied or not, always made me nervous and panicky.

  When I felt Grayson’s eyes on me, I turned to him.

  His cheeks pinched inward, his dimples deepened, and his stunning blue eyes beamed. “You might not want to eat that.” He took the pencil out of my mouth and handed it to me. “I promise to feed you after the test.”

  “I-I tend to bite my pencil during tests or when I get nervous,” I confessed.

  His eyebrows lifted and his lips spread wickedly. Leaning closer, his shoulder touched mine and his leg brushed my knee, and he whispered, “I think we’d go well together. I like to bite, too. I’d like to see what else you can do with your teeth.”

  I had a sexier comeback remark, but I swallowed it down. The professor declared testing time, and we began.

  Grayson finished first, but he kept the page open to the last page. When I closed my test, he closed his. After we both handed the test to one of the TAs, we went out together.

  Grayson nudged me. “Not bad, right? Almost everything we reviewed was on the test, right?”

  “Except for the last five questions.” I frowned.

  “You’ve got this.” He sounded so encouraging, I almost hugged him. “Piece of cake, only if you read the last chapter of the textbook as I suggested.” His eyes narrowed playfully scolding. “Did you read the last chapter, Cams?”

  “Cams? Is that my nickname, Gray?” I was glad to divert the attention because, too caught up with Lucas, I hadn’t read the textbook.

  Grayson’s hard chest rose and fell with a chuckle, and then he frowned. “I’m not sure if I like Gray. Makes me sound so old. But whatever turns you on is fine with me.”

  It was then I realized I knew nothing about him.

  “I’m starving,” he continued. “Have you tried the Harper Grill by Harper building?”

  “No.” My tone rose excitedly. “I’ve been wanting to go.”

  Grayson’s face lit up. “Good. Then let me be the first one to take you. Follow me.”

  As we strode along the walkway, the trees gave us shade, and the patches of vibrant spring flowers decorated the campus. The soft wind brushed against my ear until we passed groups of students heading to class on their bikes or sprinting to get to class on time.

  “I have to say something.” I wrung a strand over my ear, peering to the left of me. Grayson matched my slow speed.

  “You can tell me anything, Cams.” He didn’t sound alarmed, but calm.

  “I recently broke up with my boyfriend. To make a long story short, I’m not sure what’s going to happen.” I braced myself, thinking he would leave me there or rant what a terrible person I was for not letting him know from the start, but...

  Grayson placed a hand on my shoulder and we halted. “I have a confession to make.” He released a breath and stood with his legs apart, holding the strap of his backpack. “I’ve admired you from afar in Econ class, and I never approached you because I knew you had a boyfriend. I also found out you’re not with him anymore.”

  My face heated. “How?” I glared, angry, not directed at him but at the situation.

  “I have friends in Lambda, and I told them I was into you a while back. They told me what happened. Please don’t get mad at me.” He raised his hands to surrender. “I swear I’m not trying to make a move you’re not ready for. I decided to eat at Commons, and when I saw you, I’d thought to ask you to join our study group. I didn’t think you would say yes, but I have to admit, I was very happy about it. We are friends, Cams.” He pointe
d to him and me. “I’m asking you to eat as friends, nothing more, unless you want more. I would never try to step in between a broken relationship. I’m not that kind of guy. In fact, I think you’ll find me charming and genuine.” He smirked. “Most girls fall for my dimples.” He pointed at them with a dorky grin. “But like I said, I want to get to know you as friends first. If you don’t want to be my friend, I’ll understand.”

  What could I say after that declaration? He told me the truth. He laid it all out. I had to admit, knowing he found me attractive had butterflies swarming in my belly.

  “Thank you for telling me the truth. Friends.” I nodded to agree. “I can have lunch with a friend.”

  His stiffened shoulders relaxed as we moved onward. “We’re almost there. Do you want to talk about it?”

  “Talk about what?” I stepped on a pebble and even wearing my flats, I stumbled.

  Grayson caught my fall, his body pressed to mine as his blue eyes locked on my amber ones. Time stood still until something plopped on top of my head, breaking us apart. Something hard, cold, and wet pelted on my head. Oh my God!

  “What the hell was that?” I reached for my hair, but Grayson gripped my hand.

  “No. Don’t touch it. It’s um—oh damn. Bird—”

  “Shit,” I finished for him, my cheeks burning. “Shit. Shit. Shit.” Peering up to the sky, I searched for the bird. Of course it was too late.

  Then we burst into laughter.

  “Quick, make a wish,” Grayson said unexpectedly.

  “What?”

  “Hurry.”

  “Okay, okay. I wish for...” I made a wish in my mind and smiled.

  “You know, I’ve been told if you get shit on and you make a wish, your wish will come true, or was it your luck is about to turn for better.” He lit a devilish grin.

  “What? I’ve never heard of that.” I leaned closer. “Let me get some on you. You look like you could use some luck.”

  Grayson backed away chuckling, his hands up to stop me. “Cams, there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. You’re with a friend.”

  Then something in me softened, and I appreciated his ability to make me comfortable. “Thanks. I don’t feel so bad I think.” My lips quirked, trying not to laugh again.

  “You can wash it off if you want at the restroom first before we order lunch.”

  “Sounds like a plan.”

  I rinsed off a section of my hair and used a paper towel to dry. When I walked out of the restroom, Grayson held a huge smile with his hands inside his pockets, appearing irresistible with those adorable dimples flashing. The sun kissed the tips of his hair, making them lighter brown with streaks of gold.

  His perfect face, his sculptured body, he was a Greek god come to life. My heart skipped a beat, and for once, I forgot about Lucas.

  We’re friends. It’s okay to go out to lunch with a good-looking friend, I reminded myself.

  Chapter Eleven

  Lunch Date

  Grayson

  When Cammy walked out of the restroom, her amber eyes beamed when they set on me. Her hair was a little damp, but still beautiful even slightly disheveled. Damn, her smile gave me warmth everywhere, including a place I didn’t want. Or at least not yet, because I knew we could only be friends for now.

  “Well, at least you won’t smell like bird turd,” I casually commented.

  Cammy scowled playfully, not at me, but at the situation. “Well, like you said, it’s a sign of good luck, so I’ll be waiting.”

  “Just wait and see?” I arched my eyebrows. Please let the universe be on my side and let me be right.

  I ordered two turkey avocado sandwiches on rye bread. Turned out, Cammy and I liked the same type of sandwiches and chips—salt and vinegar. She offered to pay, but I stood slightly in front of her and paid the bill. After we settled ourselves at a corner table, we ate in comfortable quiet. Cammy seemed to want to be invisible.

  That prick, Cams’s ex-boyfriend—she deserved someone better. I didn’t know him that well, but as an outsider observing, he had blown his chance. Cams didn’t know I saw her walk in just as Lucas leaned into that chick.

  Cams sipped her soda and met my eyes. “So, where are you from?”

  “I’m from New York. Born and raised here. How about you?”

  “Same. What high school?”

  “John Marshall High.” I took a bite of my sandwich.

  “No shit? Your school was our rival.” Her eyes twinkled, appearing more gold than amber in the sunlight.

  “Well, what do you know?” I opened the bag of chips for us and offered her to take the first piece. She reached in. “What a small world.”

  “Yup. It sure is. Any siblings?” The chip crunched inside her mouth, and then she reached to take more. “These are delicious.”

  I tilted the bag toward her. “I have an older brother. He’s happily married with a son. Want to see a picture of my nephew?” Without waiting for a reply, I took the photo out of my wallet and passed it to her.

  “Oh, he’s so cute. Look at those dimples.” Cammy met my gaze. “Your brother has them, too, I’m guessing?”

  “Grant does, like me.” I shrugged, feeling shy for the first time. Cammy’s eyes on me had me a bit nervous. “He lives in New York, too. He’s a lawyer at a big firm downtown, and my sister-in-law is a pediatrician.” Too much information, Grayson.

  “A lawyer and a doctor? Wow. And your parents?”

  “My dad is a business lawyer as well. He’s an in-house counsel for a big investment firm. He was so happy when my brother told him he wanted to be a lawyer just like him. My mom was an elementary school teacher. She retired soon after I was born. How about you?” I took a long gulp of my soda.

  “I got accepted to NYU’s teacher certification program.”

  “You did? That’s awesome. Congratulations. So, you’ll be here as well.” I raised my arms for emphasis. “The universe is telling us we were meant to be friends.”

  She smiled and continued. “My parents are divorced. My mom is a nurse and my stepdad is a doctor. I have a younger sister who’s graduating from high school this year.”

  I slightly dipped my head. “Congrats are in order for the Connor family. Two daughters graduating.”

  Cammy took the last bite of her sandwich and crinkled the wrapper. “Thank you for my lunch. It was very sweet of you.”

  “That’s what friends are for.” Idiotic. I could’ve kicked myself. Couldn’t I think of something better to say?

  “Friends.” She paused on the word. “I like that.” She glanced at her watch. “I hate to leave my friend alone, but I have to get to work. Gus, my manager, gets all pissy when I’m even a second late.”

  I took her trash and mine. “I’ll walk you there.”

  She reached for the wrapper, but then she placed her hand down her side. “You don’t have to take my trash. I can do it. And you don’t have to walk me to work. I’m sure you have better things to do.”

  “Nothing is better than spending time with you.”

  Cammy’s cheeks gleamed slightly pink. “It’s clear across campus.”

  “I know. But I’m just a guy hoping maybe one day we can be more than friends.” I should have punched myself, or I should have let her punch me. I was an ass. She was hurting and I sprung my words on her as if she didn’t have anything else to worry about.

  I didn’t mean to remind her of that, but it was so easy to talk to her. Turning my back toward her to toss the trash away, I didn’t give her a chance to reply.

  Chapter Twelve

  At Work

  Cammy

  Grayson was so sweet, such a gentleman, but his words surprised me. I’m just a guy hoping maybe one day we can be more than friends.

  How could I not swoon over those words? But I wasn’t ready to move on or let Lucas completely go. Confused, I did what I did best when I didn’t want to make a decision: I pretended everything was fine.

  “Grayson.” Gus’s smile wa
s too big for his face. “Cammy. You’re here on time.” He waved and attention went to Grayson. “You should walk Cammy to work every day. Are you hungry, Grayson? I can whip you up something. I’ll even pile it on for you.”

  I rolled my eyes at Gus, plopped my backpack under the counter, and checked the cash register to make sure it was all good to go. Actually, my nerves were fried. A part of me worried Lucas would find out I had eaten with another guy and might get mad. It was none of his business, I reminded myself.

  “Actually, I’m going to skip. Cams and I had lunch, but thank you.”

  Gus’s eyebrow hiked higher than I’d ever seen before. “Oh, really.” His eyes flashed to mine with a look that said tell me more.

  “Anyway.” Grayson shoved his hands inside his jeans pockets, and his lips perked as if he was either thinking of something to say or was wondering about something. “I had a wonderful time, friend. Maybe we can do it again soon.” The way his hands braced against the counter, his toned biceps were hard to miss when he leaned forward. Even Gus drooled from the other end. “Have a good day, Cams. See you in class. I’ll save you a seat.”

  “You too. See you in class.” I tried to sound neutral and not flirty.

  “Those were the sexiest words I’ve heard in a long time.” Gus stood next to me, staring at Grayson walk away. “And he’s got the sexiest ass I’ve ever seen.”

  I’m not looking. I’m not looking. Shit, I was already gawking.

  I frowned. “Don’t you have work to do? Go back to your side.”

  I had expected a sly comment, but instead, he was grinning and waving at someone. Grayson had turned back, his eyes set on mine, just before he exited.

  The second he was no longer in the building, Gus shifted his attention to me. “What happened? How did you get a date with him?”

  I glanced around the quiet foodcourt. “It wasn’t a date. We’re friends. We have a class together, and after the test, we went out to eat.”

  I dusted a smudge from the cash register, keeping myself busy. I didn’t want Gus to see any expression on my face.