I let out a sigh. “I’m saying this with all the love I have for you as my friend and classmate: You need this study session. You leave, you lose.”
He pushes his papers across the table toward me. I plop into the chair next to him and read over the notes he’s made. I quiz him on the material for the upcoming exam.
After an hour, I hop up to grab us a couple of coffees. I set his cup in front of him, he looks up from hooded eyes. “So, have you talked to her?”
I shake my head. His shoulders droop, but only for a second. He stands, gathering his books. “Well, I need to go to work. I’ll call you later in the week; maybe we can get together right before the test?”
“Sure. And hey, it’s just a few more weeks and Rach’s coming home. When she does, don’t waste your time. She’ll only be here for a short time before she has to leave for school. And this time, don’t act like a jerk. That is not the way to a girl’s heart. Trust me on this.”
“Who says I’m after someone’s heart?” He gives me a quick grin and saunters out.
Poor guy. He’s got it bad. Of course, he won’t admit it. He just asks about her every now and then. I’m not sure what his deal is. He’s sizzling hot. With everything else, he seems to have no problem going after what he wants. Something about Rachel stifles him.
I do my best to focus all my energy on school and working at the shelter. There’s always a need for extra hands. And I really love playing with the little kids while their moms get job skill training.
Whenever Danny texts or calls, I tell him I’m studying.
I am studying. I’m also avoiding. But he doesn’t have to know that.
Most of my spare time, I hang out at the coffee shop. The less I’m home, the less chance I have of running into him. Of course, the more I stay away from him, the more I think about him and all the things we could be doing if we were together.
But no. Not a good idea.
My phone vibrates on the table. I answer, “Hey, Slade.”
“Got time to get together and study for that exam? I ended up with the afternoon off.”
“Sure thing. I’m at the coffee shop right now. Want to come here?”
“Actually, I’m on your side of town today, I’ve got my stuff, can we meet at your house?”
Dave and Charlotte don’t really like me to have boys over. But, it’s for school, so surely they’ll understand. “I’ll be home in fifteen.”
“I’ll meet you there.”
*
It takes two and a half hours, but I think Slade’s finally getting it. I hold my palm in the air; Slade looks at it as though I’ve lost my mind. I reach over and grab his forearm. “It’s called a high five. Works like this.”
He smiles and smacks my hand. “You’re weird.”
“Says the guy who won’t talk to the girl he’s liked since third grade.”
He shoots me a look. “Have not.”
I shake my head. “Whatever. All right. If we’re done, I’m going to hit the sack. I’ll see you in class Monday.”
“So, you still haven’t talked to her?”
I walk him to the door, flipping on the outside flood lights. “Sorry. It’s expensive to call Africa.”
His head almost touches the ceiling of the porch’s overhang. “Well, if you do talk to her, don’t tell her I ask about her. Okay?”
I shake my head. “Whatever. You know, if you like a girl, it’s okay to tell her. She’s not going to hate you for liking her. She’ll probably be flattered.”
He steps off the porch. I follow, but stop at the top step.
He turns back to me. “I just don’t think she’s going to be flattered that it’s me who likes her. That’s all.”
“Aw. You poor thing.” I grab his shoulders and give him a big hug. “You’re not a bad guy. I don’t care what anyone says.”
He squeezes my waist. “Thanks, Mo.”
*
I have a shower, comb my hair, and wrap in my fluffy robe. I head into the living room, but don’t even get settled on the sofa when a knock sounds at the door. I pick up the book Slade left behind.
“Took you long enough.” I open the door. Oh. “You’re not Slade. What’re you doing here?”
Danny pushes past me into the room. “Slade? No Shit? Was that who was here earlier?”
I shrug. “Yeah. Why? Were you watching me?”
“No. I just happened to look out while you had your arms around him. Is he why you won’t talk to me?”
I can’t help but roll my eyes. “Don’t be ridiculous. He’s my study partner.”