Page 11 of Yours, Unexpectedly

“Right… well why don’t you tell me why you are in that class to begin with. I’d like to believe it’s because you can’t resist me, but something is telling me that that’s not the case.” I give her my most charming grin, unable to deny that constant need to alleviate the stress of those around me.

“My advisor made a mistake. And I’m kicking myself because I should have caught it earlier. I mean, I know Hawthorne wants you to have a well rounded education but taking a fine arts class never really crossed my mind. I don’t think I’ll really need it in social work. I was especially shocked to learn that it wouldn’t be something… I don’t know. Easier is not the right word. But acting? Me?! I can’t be on stage. Especially not in front of you!” It’s then that she finally realizes that she’s been ranting and slaps a hand over her mouth, eyes wide.

I choose to cut her some slack. “You might be surprised how useful some of the techniques are that you’ll learn in class.”

“No, of course. I don’t mean that there’s anything wrong with what you do. Gabe may or may not have dragged me to some of your productions in undergrad.” This is news to me. “But I have never wanted to be the center of attention! And, oh God—Gabe probably already told Ben and Jules, and I will literally never hear the end of it.”

I chuckle because she and her brother are so similar.

The Bardot siblings have always fascinated me. Growing up as an only child with pretty shitty parents made it especially jarring the first time I met the Bardot crew. They orbit around each other so naturally, in a way they don’t seem to see but is exquisitely beautiful.

“Don’t worry, we’ll make this as painless as possible. Technically I’m just the TA for the class. Professor Callahan will be popping in from time to time to impart his wisdom. When I asked you here this morning, I wanted to make sure you were okay with being in the class with me. I can request to transfer to another section if that would make you more comfortable.” I’m praying she says no to this. “I know you avoid me at all costs,” I add when she doesn’t say anything.

It’s a self-deprecating joke with a shred of truth. Because she’s spent years avoiding me. I’ve just never outright acknowledged it like I just did.

Her mouth drops open. “I don’t—I’m not…” Well that was all the confirmation I needed. My heart sinks a bit and I find myself rubbing my chest to try to ease the pressure there.

Shaking herself, she pulls her thoughts together and sighs heavily. “Apparently we’re being honest with each other this morning,” she mutters, finally taking a sip of her coffee. It’s black which I’ve always thought was weird, and I definitely didn’t examine the fact that I knew her coffee order when I bought it for her this morning.

“I do prefer it that way, yes,” I say, answering the question she didn’t really ask.

“Fine. Maybe I have avoided you. But, no.”

“No?”

“No. You don’t need to switch sections. I’m sure I’ll survive spending the semester with you.” That’s good. I’m not sure I will.

“Okay. But you have to promise not to fall in love with me.” I wink. She scoffs.

I think I’m the one who will need to worry about falling in love.

“Alright, Anders. Don’t worry, this isn’t a ‘90’s rom-com.” She contemplates for a moment. “You have to promise you won’t make fun of me when I am a complete disaster of an actress.”

“Alright, Rebecca.” Another wide-eyed look. Good. She remembers that too.

“It’s Bex.”

“Mhmm.” I grab my coffee and stand up. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

She nods, looking up at me, big brown eyes swimming with emotion.

Not going to lie. I like this view. I enjoy it for a breath before turning around and walking out.

Despite what I told her, I would definitely like for her to fall in love with me because I’m already halfway there.

I’m squished between a grumpy Anders and a brooding Jules in the back seat of Gabe’s car. Anders is in town for the weekend, so Gabe decided we all need to go try the new paintball course that just opened up a town over.

Gabe is in the front seat, babbling on, but all I can think about are the places I’m pressed against Anders.

He’s changed since moving to New York.

The car swerves and my hands instinctively jut out, grabbing for something to keep me steady. Which ends up being Anders’ hand. Which he immediately yanks out of my grasp.

“Oh, shit! Sorry about that,” Gabe says before jumping back into his story.

“Let’s go out tonight, bitches!” I yell as I throw the door to the apartment open.

I know I probably look like a mad woman. I’m off kilter and I don’t like it. I swear Anders was giving me sex eyes at coffee this morning, but I can’t even begin to analyze that so I’ve decided going out would be a much better alternative. “Who’s with me?!”

---