Page 24 of On Broken Wings

“Ok, then. Thanks for the coffee.” I held the cup up in acknowledgment as I began weaving through the desks to find a seat on the far side of the room.

“I put my number there again since you seemed to have lost it the last time. Maybe we can study this weekend.” He grinned before turning to find his own seat.

I shook my head as a warm feeling settled over me. Today marked the day that I started to feel normal again. I was a long way from being like the old Jen, but this Jen wasn’t as scared as she used to be.

oooooooo

Class was actually interesting to me today. I paid attention more than usual, and the staring that Evan was doing didn’t seem to bother me as much. I even smiled at him at one point, I think.

When the bell rang to end class, I took my time gathering my books. Usually, I rushed out of class to avoid talking to him, but today I didn’t want to. When I stepped through the classroom door, Evan was waiting right on the other side in the hallway.

“See ya tomorrow.” I lifted the coffee in his direction.

He shoved off of where he was leaning against the wall, and jogged to catch up with me. “So, you’re talking to me?” He laughed.

“You brought me coffee. I kinda have to now.” I shrugged as I lifted my backpack higher on my shoulder.

“Good point.” He nodded as his lips turned up in a grin.

“He’s not my boyfriend.” I glanced over at him, and when he didn’t respond, I added, “He’s my brother.”

“Wouldn’t have mattered anyway.” His cockiness began pouring off him. “So, studying? Wanna meet somewhere this weekend?”

“I don’t know.” I nibbled my lip. I needed to get over this, but fear was strangling me. It was like this invisible rope wrapped around my entire body, and whenever Evan was around he tightened it to the point that I couldn’t move.

“You worried about being alone with me, or something?” He stopped walking and reached for my elbow to halt me.

I pulled away, fear and shock filling my eyes. I tried to hide it, but I wasn’t fast enough.

“My bad.” He held his hands up. “How about somewhere public? I have to work on Saturday. You could meet me at the mall, and we could study in the food court after I get off.” His head tipped to the side.

“The mall?” I furrowed my brow.

“Yeah. I work at the bookstore.” He laughed. When I didn’t answer, he added, “Don’t I look like someone who would work in a bookstore?”

“No.” I was honest. He looked like a mix of an athlete and a fraternity boy, not a bookstore guy.

“Thanks.” He roared with laughter. “You know, I actually study, and do well in my classes. Don’t let these awesomely good looks fool you.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t.” I rolled my eyes.

“So, Saturday?” He put his hands together in front of himself as if he was praying.

“Maybe. I’ll have to think about it.” I smiled.

“I finish my shift at three. Just meet me there.” He started walking backwards away from me.

“I didn’t agree to anything yet.” I laughed.

“You will.” He winked, and then turned to jog away. I watched him for a few minutes until he was joined with some other guys. I didn’t know who they were, but Evan seemed to. They were laughing and shoving each other while one was looking around. Evan nodded, and then they disappeared from sight.

The more I saw of him, the more he seemed to be like Nate. It should scare me, but part of me misses the feeling that I used to have. I miss having someone look at me the way I thought Nate did. I miss the hugs and kisses that come from a genuine connection. I wasn’t sure if Evan would ever be that, or if I could even let him, but that tiny possibility that I was feeling gave me hope that I hadn’t had in a long time.

oooooooo

When I came home from class, Mason was already at the apartment. It was odd; he never came home early. “Bad day?” I tossed my backpack on the couch as I came in the door.

“Eh.” He shrugged. “Dani stopped glaring at me, so I guess it wasn’t too bad today.”

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