Page 22 of On Broken Wings

“You gotta boyfriend or something?!” he yelled at my back.

“No!” I shouted over my shoulder as I began jogging away. He didn’t deserve that, nobody did, but I just couldn’t let myself go there. I wasn’t ready to date, or whatever that was. I wasn’t sure if I ever would be.

oooooooo

It’s been two days since Evan asked me to coffee. I’ve managed to avoid him, but it’s getting harder and harder. Yesterday, I almost missed class. I’d stalled myself so much that when I got to Booker Hall, I had to practically run to the classroom. There were only a handful of seats available, and luckily, I was able to snag one near the door. It made escaping easier.

Today, I was in a better mood. My brother had finally told me why he’d been so pissy lately. He’d run into an ex that he had to work with. He’d basically been an ass when they broke up, and now he was trying to be friends with her. She wasn’t having it though, and it bothered him. I don’t know what he expects. I’d be mean too.

As I was walking across campus today, I heard him… Evan. I know his voice now, and as soon as the sound hit my ears, I froze and started looking for him. “Hey.” He smiled as he jogged up to me. He was wearing another snug long-sleeved shirt, but he had basketball shorts on today. His hair was held back with a backwards baseball cap. “I thought that was you.”

“It’s me.” I sighed as I fidgeted.

“You usually come from that side of campus.” His brow furrowed.

I stiffened. Why did he know the routes I took? That was just creepy. “Had some stuff to do today.” I shrugged.

“I’ve been trying to set up that coffee date all week. You’ve been avoiding me.” He grinned as he rocked on his heels. “I decided to take matters into my own hands.” He smiled even bigger as he produced a paper coffee cup. “Picked this up on the way here this morning.” He motioned for me to take it. “Wasn’t sure how you took your coffee so I told the barista to surprise me.” He chuckled. “I hope it’s a good surprise.”

“Thanks?” It came out sounding like a question. I sniffed the small opening on the lid. It smelled like something caramel. I shrugged as I took a tentative sip.

“Well?” Evan chewed on his lip as if he was worried I’d throw the coffee at him.

“It’s ok,” I murmured. The truth was, it was delicious, but I couldn’t tell him that. I didn’t want him to think that this was ok. He might start making it a thing, and it can’t become a thing.

“Good.” He nodded in satisfaction. I started to move around him to make my way to class, but he stepped up beside me. “I’d really like to study with you sometime.” He broke the quiet surrounding us.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” I sighed. “I’m really busy, and don’t have much time.”

“For studying? How do you get ready for tests and stuff?” He laughed.

“I study, just not in groups.”

“Well, I’m sure you could find a free moment. I think it would be good to help each other.” He reached for the door to our building and held it open.

“Maybe,” I mumbled. “If I have time, maybe.”

“Great.” He clapped his hands together as if he’d won something. “You can call me when you have a free night.”

“Sure.” I nodded. I didn’t have his number, and this was the perfect excuse to give him when he asked me next week why I never called him.

“I put my number on the cup,” he grinned, “you know, in case you needed it.”

I couldn’t help it. I laughed. I laughed louder and longer than I think I have in years. It was the first time I felt happy about something in what felt like forever. Maybe Evan wasn’t all bad. Maybe we could be friends. I’d ask Mason to check him out. He owed me for all the attitude he’s been giving me. I’d make him tell me if Evan seemed like a good guy. I wasn’t sure how it would work yet, but I’d figure something out.

Chapter 10

Jenni

Despite his offer to study, I went home alone after class today. I was confused by what I was feeling, and I didn’t trust myself. What if I let Evan in and he turned out to be just like Nate? What if he wanted to date to me, then what? I tugged at my sleeves just thinking about it. It was nervous habit I’d developed after the first person I’d run into mentioned them. I didn’t start out hiding them; it was the stares that made me.

I spent most of the afternoon and early evening sitting on the couch poring over my books. It was quiet. Mason was still at work, and wouldn’t be home until much later. When the sun set, leaving the apartment dark, I set my book down and leaned back on the couch. I was tired, and didn’t feel like moving. It didn’t take long for my eyes to drift shut, and sleep to consume me.

I don’t know how long I napped for. I was awoken to the lock jingling, and Mason muttering to himself. I sat up just as the door opened, and the light came on. Mason jumped like I’d scared him. “Sorry.” He pushed the door closed. “Anything interesting happen tonight?” He tossed his keys on the counter.

“Not really.” I lifted a shoulder before leaning back on the couch. “Spent most of the night studying.”

“How was class today?” he called out as he walked toward his room.

---