Page 23 of On Broken Wings

“It was ok, I guess.” I lowered my voice as I thought about Evan. “I met a guy.” I forced the words out. I’d been sitting on the information since the semester started. If I was going to ask Mason for his opinion, I needed to at least mention Evan.

“Oh yeah?” He came back out to the living room. He had this weird look on his face like he wasn’t sure he heard me right.

“He wants to meet for coffee, and to study.”

“What do you want to do?” He stepped closer, and softened his voice.

“I don’t know.” I sighed as I tugged at my sleeves again. “I don’t know if I’m ready.” I chewed my lip as I peered up at him. “What if he sees?”

“Jenni.” He sighed. “If he says something to you about that, then he’s not the right guy. The right guy won’t care.” He sat down beside me and pulled me into his arms, hugging me tightly in the process.

“Thanks.” I pulled back, and leaned forward to gather the papers that were scattered in front of us. “I think I just need to get some sleep. I’ll see you in the morning,” I mumbled as I carried my things to my room.

oooooooo

When I woke up this morning, I was in a surprisingly good mood. It was a beautiful day outside. I smiled as I waltzed into the kitchen. “Morning.” I grinned.

“You sure are happy today.” Mason rubbed his eyes.

“And you…aren’t?” I laughed lightly.

“Thanks, Captain Obvious. I’ve had a lot of extra things happening at work.” He reached for a banana on the counter.

“You making nice with Dani yet?” I grinned as his brows furrowed. “I guess that’s a no?”

“It’s a big fat no.” He sighed as he peeled the banana and took a big bite. “It’s a ‘she’d like me to drop dead’ kinda no.”

“Sorry.” I grimaced.

“I’m going in to the bar early again today. Want a ride?” He reached for his keys.

“Sure.” I bounced on my toes. “Can I get door to door service?” I giggled. There was a road on campus that ran right beside Booker Hall. If Mason took it, he could drop me off right by the main door. I might be able to avoid running into Evan this way.

“Get your things and meet me downstairs.” He shook his head as he laughed. “I like this version of you. Reminds me of the brat who used to harass me in high school.”

I went to grab my backpack while Mason headed downstairs. We only lived on the second floor, but he was always rushing ahead.

oooooooo

“Thanks.” I smiled as I shoved open the car door.

“See ya tonight.” Mason waved as I climbed out. “Hey, Jenni? Maybe you should say yes to coffee. Today seems like a good day to say yes.”

“Maybe.” I shrugged. “See you tonight.” I shut the door, and began walking toward Booker. I could hear the roar of Mason’s engine as I jogged up the steps.

“Morning.” His voice caused me to stumble slightly, and when I looked up, I was met with soft brown eyes filled with gold flecks. “He your boyfriend?”

“Hi, Evan.” My cheekiness from this morning was making me braver than I usually am. “Stalker much?”

“Brought you something.” He held out a paper cup with the same messy handwriting on the side. “Thought you might like it since you drank the last one.”

“It was ok.” I grinned.

“So, boyfriend?” He turned to follow me into the building.

“Why does that matter?” I shot him a look over my shoulder.

“It doesn’t.” He shrugged.

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