Page 26 of On Broken Wings

“Well, then go talk to him.” I pushed him forward as I attempted to slip farther between the shelves and into hiding.

“About what, Jenni?” He sighed as he shook his head at me.

“We’re in a bookstore. Go ask him about a book.” I rolled my eyes as I pushed his shoulder this time.

Just as Mason relented and started to move towards Evan, Evan noticed us. “Hey, Jen.” He came around the corner and smiled a warm smile.

“Hey, Evan.” I tried to calm my nerves, but they were out of control at this point. I moved behind my brother to use him as a shield almost like I did when I was little.

“I’m Evan. I have a couple of classes with Jen this semester, and you are?” Evan held his hand out. I don’t know why he was asking. I’d told him after class yesterday that Mason was my brother. Must be a guy thing.

“Mason,” my brother smiled before he gripped Evan’s hand in a handshake, “Jen’s big brother.”

Evan’s face broke out in a smile. It was almost as if he needed to have confirmation from Mason that he really wasn’t my boyfriend. “So, I never heard from you about coffee.” Evan turned his attention to me.

“I figured I’d just keep letting you bring them to me at school.” I grinned. My brother’s eyes pinged between Evan and me.

“I don’t mind.” He shrugged. “Since you’re here, does that mean we can study later?”

“I’ve been kinda busy. Maybe next week after class one day?” I glanced at my brother, hoping he’d get the message. I needed reassurance that I wasn’t treading into deep water again.

“Sure. That sounds good.” Evan nodded before motioning down one of the aisles. “It was nice meeting you,” he motioned to Mason, “but I’ve really gotta get back to work.”

“See ya Monday, Evan,” I called before turning towards my brother and all but shoving him out of the store. “Well?” I stopped when we were standing back in the mall. “What do you think?”

He laughed. I couldn’t believe it, but he laughed. “He seems like a nice guy.” He shrugged.

“Would you go out with him?” I prodded as we headed toward the food court. It was lunch time, and we were hungry.

“No.” He shook his head.

“No? Why?” I blinked a few times. He’d just said he was a nice guy. What was I missing here?

“Because I’m a guy, and he’s a guy, and I’m not like that.” His face remained stoic for a few seconds before he burst into laughter.

“Mason Stone! Don’t be an ass.” I shoved him hard, causing him to crash into one of the metal chairs nearby.

“Jeez, Jenni!” He shook his head. “I was teasing.” He threw his head back, and then froze.

“So you think I should give him a chance? Mason?” I glanced over when he didn’t answer. He was staring off into space at something. “Mason?” I elbowed him in the ribs.

“Crap, that hurt.” He rubbed his side, finally acknowledging me.

“Where were you?” I furrowed my brow. His head tipped in the direction he was staring, and there sat two women who looked about his age. One was blonde, and the other was brunette. The brunette was talking animatedly while the blonde listened. “Is that who I think it is?” I patted his arm. His head bobbed slowly. “She hasn’t changed at all.”

“Now see the first time I saw her, I didn’t know who she was.” He sighed as I led us over to Taco Bell.

“That’s because you’re a guy. She hasn’t changed and apparently her feelings for you haven’t either.” I darted my eyes over to where the two women were sitting. They saw us, it was obvious. They kept glancing in our direction, looking mainly at my brother.

“Order me a burrito. I’ll meet you at the table.” He slapped a few bills in my hand before turning on his heel and heading right for Dani’s table.

oooooooo

The weekend was fairly uneventful. Mason had to work. There was this big reopening at the bar, and he was bouncing all weekend. I spent my time at the apartment. Today, was going to be a good day though. I’d thought about Evan’s offer, and if he was ok with it, I was going to agree to meet him at the library on campus this afternoon. I figured that was a safe place, and maybe he would leave me alone after that.

As I entered Booker Hall there he was in his usual spot. He had a paper coffee cup in his hand, and he was smiling as I approached. “Morning.” He grinned. “Your usual, Miss.” He handed me the cup, and then pushed off the wall he was leaning on.

“Thanks.” I held the cup up, and then took a sip. “How are you doing on that accounting project we have due next week?”

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