Dance for Me(26)

I’m out of breath when we stop at the end of campus, and my mouth is drier than the desert on a sunny afternoon, but I feel great. I feel healthy and my head is clear. I don’t know if that’s because the object of my obsession is standing beside me, or if it’s because I’m too tired to think, but it’s refreshing nonetheless.

I’m surprised to realize that running with Ransom wasn’t such a challenge after all. It was actually kind of fun. Even though we didn’t talk about anything, it was nice to have someone else to share it with. I’m not ready to let that feeling go just yet. There’s a little coffee shop at the end of the block and I am about to ask him if he wants to grab a cup with me, when Ransom speaks up.

“I need to get back and grab a shower. It was nice running into you. We should do it again sometime.”

“Oh, yeah, sure. Maybe tomorrow morning…if you’re out, because I will be. Running, that is.” I stumble over my words, feeling like a complete idiot because of how pathetic I sound.

The corners of his mouth tilt up. He steps into me, his hand covering my clammy arm, and kisses my cheek. “Sure thing, Hart. Same time and place.” As soon as I nod in agreement, he turns and heads off in the opposite direction, leaving me standing in the middle of the sidewalk wearing a ridiculous grin that I can’t seem to wipe off my face.



***



Annie is waiting for me when I get to class, which means I am back to sitting front and center. Having gotten used to being in the back of the room, the change is difficult to get used to. I feel exposed, vulnerable.

And Ransom’s concerted effort to avoid me makes me feel all the more conspicuous because instead of being invisible, I can feel how aware he is of me. Maybe the problem is that I am focusing too hard on him, but I can’t help it. Does the man have to be so damn irresistible?

This pattern continues into the following week. By now, it’s becoming old hat. He’s also stopped coming to the club, which is both a relief and a disappointment. I’m never certain how to read him, but the distance we’ve placed between us seems to finally be sticking. I have to admit, it’s getting easier to be around him. Each day that passes without incident is a little less torturous than the last. Now, I’d venture to say we’re almost comfortable in each other’s presence. Ransom’s even taken to speaking directly to me, and I’m learning to get a handle on the furious blush that constantly wants to seep into my face every time he does.

It’s Friday and we’ve just finished discussing religion in art, when Annie raises her hand.

Ransom points to her. “I have a question about my final assignment.”

He nods as he closes his book and gathers his papers. “Meet me at my desk after class.”

Great. Right now, I’d like more than anything to punch Annie a good one, because I know she will expect me to stay after with her, and that is exactly the kind of attention I am trying to avoid. We’re just beginning to learn to work within the same space, so the last thing Ransom and I need is more one-on-one time.

As the class files out moments later, I try my luck and give Annie a quick pat on the shoulder and issue an even quicker, “See you later.” But she grabs my elbow before I can get far, and pulls me back.

“Wait for me. I’ll just be a minute.”

Grumbling, I stand aside, eying the open door. My mind cycles through possible escape plans, but even having taken up running and pushing three miles a day won’t be enough to outrun the devil, which is exactly what Annie will turn into if I bolt. The girl is terrifying when she’s angry.

“I was thinking about this,” Annie says as she hands something over to Ransom. From where I stand, I can’t see what it is that she shows him, but whatever it is, he seems interested.

“This is good. It’s risky, definitely controversial, but if you’re up to the challenge, then I say go for it.”

My interest is piqued. Even though several feet still separate us, I lean closer. I still can’t see a damn thing, but I do catch the look on Annie’s face. It’s one of doubt, which is at total odds with Ransom’s expression.

“Okay, thanks, Professor Scott.” We walk out together. Annie remains tight-lipped all the way out the doors, until the anticipation becomes too much and I decide to pull answers out of her.

“Okay, talk. What was that about back there?”

She shrugs. “Nothing. Just an idea I was tossing around for the final project. I don’t know if I’m going to do it, though. Like Professor Scott said, it’s kind of risky.”

“How risky?” Annie isn’t the kind of person I would describe as a risk taker. In fact, she’s ultraconservative. The only risk I’ve ever witnessed her take is mixing darks with lights.