Page 72 of The Baby Dragon Bakery
More than a few of the old ladies were crowding Theo, vying for his attention, which made Lavinia laugh harder, but Theo had spent more than enough evenings dancing with Beena, so he was used to it. He gave each of them particular interest, taking turns to spin them around, being the perfect gentleman until he ended up back with her.
“Is it finally my turn?” she asked.
“It’s always your turn,” he said. He took her hand and twirled her. She felt giddy. They both danced, bouncing up and down, hyper and obnoxious, but it was the most fun she’d had all week.
Theo picked her up off her feet and spun her around. She shrieked, laughing, the room spinning with lights.
Until Theo abruptly set her down. She looked over her shoulder, and Calahan was there. Embarrassment shot through her.
Calahan looked surprised but, more so, confused. She had told him earlier in the week that she would be studying for her last midterm so she wouldn’t be able to make any plans; he was probably wondering what the hell she was doing here with Theo.
Guilt pierced through her, along with apprehension.
“Cal, hi!” she said, going over. She swallowed, trying to smile. “I was just having a study break.”
“Hey,” he said, voice tight. “Just picking up.”
Calahan looked over her shoulder at Theo, then back at Lavinia, a muscle ticking in his jaw. Lavinia awkwardly shuffled on her feet, unsure what to say.
But then Calahan shook his head, giving her a smile. “Good luck with studying,” he said, stepping forward to kiss her cheek. He grabbed his order and headed out, not looking back.
Lavinia watched him go, feeling unsettled.
The next morning, while Lavinia was walking to the library, she received a text from Calahan, wishing her luck on her midterm that afternoon.
Thanks!!She sent back, glad that things were fine between them. She had been worried he was angry with her—and rightfully so, if she was being honest—but she was happy that he wasn’t.
Her screen lit up with another message:Do you want to meet after?
Sure!She replied. Maybe they could grab lunch or something.
At the library, Lavinia finished up a final review of her notes, then went to take her midterm. It was difficult. Once she had submitted it, she was exhausted but glad that it was over.
She texted Calahan to let him know she was done as she exited the classroom hall, and he texted back telling her he would meet her there. A few minutes later, he appeared in the lobby, though he wasn’t carrying his bag or coat or anything.
“Hey,” she said, trying to smile even as anxiety spiked through her. Something was off.
“Hey,” he said, walking over. He pulled her over to the side. “So, I’ve been thinking about this for some time now, and I wanted to say—it’s been really fun hanging out this past month, but I think we might be better off as friends, if that’s okay?”
Lavinia blinked, shock pouring over her.
“It’s been really fun,” he repeated, adjusting his glasses, “but I’m looking for something more serious.”
“Right,” she managed to say. “O-Of course.”
“I do really like you,” he said, a wrinkle appearing between his brows, “but I don’t know if you like me like that? In all this time, you’ve never come over or invited me over, and we’ve never met each other’s families or friends . . . you know what I mean?” He released a breath.
He was right, and she did understand his point. They hadn’t moved forward or developed their relationship. She had just been so preoccupied. They hadn’t even slept together; to be honest, sex hadn’t even crossed her mind, which she realized in itself was a red flag.
Guilt rippled through her. She felt awful to have wasted Calahan’s time.
“Friends?” Calahan asked.
“Friends,” she agreed, unable to form any coherent sentence. He gave her a small smile.
“I’ll see you at work on Saturday, then,” he said. She nodded. The air between them was awkward. Calahan went to leave, but then paused, turning back. “I don’t know if I should say this, but I think you and Theo should be together.”
Shock poured over her like a bucket of ice water. What could she say to that?
