“Why not?”
“Eh . . . I really don’t need any distractions.”
“I highly doubt he was a bad distraction.” She grinned.
“Whatever. It’s done, so no biggie.”
“Are you hungry?” Delaney asked a few seconds later.
“I can go for some fries. Do you want to head over to the cafeteria?” I looked down at my phone to check the time. “I have an hour to kill before work.”
“Sure.” She jumped off her seat. “But no fries for me. I’m going to Moose’s house later and I don’t want to eat anything that will make me bloated, you know?”
I shoved my crap back in my tote and stood. I wanted the goddamn sparkler to burn out already.
Wednesday morning, I woke up to an empty bedroom. Delaney never came back from her night with Nate. When my alarm buzzed for the second time, I contemplated skipping class. I sure as shit didn’t want to see his freshly fucked face.
But I couldn’t miss class. I had never missed a single class, not even in high school. It was something I was good at—my escape from home—and I would be damned if a stupid guy named Moose ruined it for me. Plus, we were outside staring at buildings. It wasn’t as though we were confined to a classroom.
Once I showered and carefully selected my outfit for the day—picking out clothes specifically for class was something I rarely did—I hopped in my car and headed toward the Belk Tower. There was no turning back now. I’d have to face him one way or another.
I kept my head low as I walked, my heart racing with every step I took. When I was close enough to spot Professor Comeau, I noticed that Nate wasn’t there yet. I guess Delaney kept him up late. I quickly shook my head and brushed those images out of my thoughts because I didn’t want to imagine them together.
Professor Comeau stood with his back to the tower as he gave us the history of the structure. “For the past forty-five years, this tower has been the meeting space for students and visitors. It serves as the centerpiece of the university, but unfortunately, it will be coming down during the winter break.” Professor Comeau paused. “Thank you for joining us, Mr. Wright.”
Some of the class looked back, but my gaze stayed locked on the one hundred and forty-two foot, iconic ribbed tower.
“For your assignment,” Professor Comeau stated as he continued with his lecture.
“Hi.” His husky voice made the goosebumps rise on the back of my neck. I briefly closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I refused to let him affect me.
“Hello.” I added a chill to my voice, and forced my gaze to stay on the tower.
“Listen, Brie.” He paused as if he didn’t know what to say next. “I want to apologize.”
“It’s not a big deal.” I let the words roll off my tongue.
“I didn’t know Delaney was your roommate.”
His words caught my attention. I spun to face him. “So, you’re saying you’re sorry you got caught?”
“No.” His hand scratched the back of his head. “I’m sorry I lied to you.” He let his tongue drag across his lips. It was something I enjoyed watching, but at that moment I wanted nothing more than to rip his damn tongue out.
“Did you have a girlfriend when you took me out last week?” I crossed my arms over my chest and waited for his response.
“No.” He shifted his weight from one foot to the other.
“But now you do?” I needed to know. He sighed and dropped his head. “If you’re going to apologize, at least come out with the truth.”
“Can we start over?” he asked when he looked back at me. “I’d like to explain everything.”
“Sure.” I shrugged. The damage was already done. What was worse than hearing him out?
“Before we started the semester, I went out with Del a few times. It was in group settings, casual, not as a date or anything. It was nothing serious, just a few friends hanging out. The day I asked you out, she invited me to the game.”
“And you figured you would date us both and weigh your options?” I snapped. “See which was better, or maybe fuck around with us both in hopes we’d never find out about each other?’
A few students glanced over at us before returning their gaze back to the tower.
“Shit, Brielle.”
I lowered my voice. “Do you believe in coincidences?”
“What do you mean?” His eyebrows furrowed.
“You being in my class, taking me out, and also being with Delaney? Do you think that was all a big giant coincidence?” His face softened. “Or is it fate? Regardless, you being with Delaney was the way the universe was telling me not to get involved. I have no time for someone like you. I’m not mad. You’re seeing my best friend, so I want you to know I won’t hold a grudge. I hope you two are very happy with each other.”