Page 5 of Secrets, Scandals and Baby Shoes

“Back to my dorm. All the way across campus.” Lucy made a face. “I was in the library late, studying.”

“What were you working on?”

“Statistics.” She made another face. “I was never great at math in high school, and statistics seems to be more of the same. I have to create a report for class next week, and I have something, but I have no idea if it’s any good.”

Elliot hesitated. Surely, any friend would help her with her report, right? Dominic would want his friends to watch out for his little sister. “I could have a look, if you wanted. I’ve taken quite a few statistics classes.”

“Really?” Lucy’s eyes brightened. “That would be so great. Thank you. But not tonight. I’m exhausted, and I need to sleep.”

“Fair enough. How about tomorrow?”

“Great.” Lucy beamed at him. “Thank you so much.”

“Hey, I haven’t helped you yet. Save your thanks until you see if I’m any good.” Elliot paused. “If you were in the library late, does that mean you haven’t eaten?”

Lucy shook her head. “No, but I might not.” She yawned. “I’m just so tired.”

“Don’t make the mistake of studying instead of eating.” With a hand on her elbow, Elliot guided her down a different pathtowards the dining hall. “Come on. You can get a quick bite to eat, and then I’ll walk you home.”

“Isn’t the dining hall closed?” Lucy asked.

“Most of it is, but the made-to-order counter is still open. You can get a sandwich or salad or something.”

They stepped through the double doors into the brightly lit dining hall. Most of the large round tables were empty, but a few small groups were enjoying late dinners or studying with cups of tea or coffee. Elliot led Lucy to the made-to-order counter, where she asked for a grilled cheese with a slice of tomato and French fries.

“We’re out of bread, unfortunately,” the attendant said. “But I can make your sandwich on a bagel.”

“That would be great. Thanks.” Before Lucy could scan her meal card, Elliot quickly held out his own.

“I have lots of extra points,” he told her. Plus, if Lucy was anything like Dominic, she probably hated refilling her meal card and would rather not eat than spend the money.

“Thanks.” Lucy smiled up at him. “That’s really kind of you.”

“Come on, let’s sit.” They found an empty table near one of the floor-to-ceiling windows, and Elliot sat. Lucy put her backpack on one of the empty chairs and leaned back, stretching. Her sweatshirt lifted slightly to reveal the curve of her waist before she tugged it down with a small smile and sat across from Elliot.

“How are your first few weeks going?” she asked. “I know it’s your senior year, so you must be busy.”

“I am, but it isn’t too terrible.” Elliot absentmindedly traced a water ring on the table’s smooth surface. “And seniors get plenty of perks around here. I have my own special cubicle in the library, you know.”

“Fancy.” Lucy grinned. “Although the library is still pretty empty, so I’m not sure how much you need it.”

“Just wait for finals.” Elliot shook his head. “It’ll be impossible to find a seat anywhere, you’ll see.”

“Fun.” Lucy wrinkled her nose. “Anyway. I know a few things about you from Dominic, but tell me more.”

Just then, the attendant called her to pick up her sandwich. Lucy got up and hurried over, returning a few minutes later with a hard plastic basket containing her sandwich and fries. Elliot immediately stole one of her fries, and Lucy playfully whacked the back of his hand.

“You should have gotten your own if you wanted some.”

“I don’t want my own. I want yours.” Elliot reached for another fry, and Lucy gave him another light whack.

“You’d better not touch my bagel.” She picked it up with both hands. “Now, tell me more about you.”

“First, I’d like to know what Dominic has already told you.” Elliot went for another fry just as Lucy took a large bite out of her sandwich, and he managed to pop it in his mouth before Lucy could stop him.

“Well, Dominic didn’t mention that you were a no-good French fry thief,” Lucy said, pointedly nodding at her quickly diminishing pile of fries.

“Guilty as charged. Continue.”

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