Page 50 of Those That Don't Exist
Claire finally steps back and I escape to the other side of the room. Not knowing what to do I grab a glass, quickly fill it with water and chug the whole thing. It doesn’t fully quench the raging thirst but the action soothes my throat a little. I keep the glass to my lips and inhale, as if the glass can act as some sort of mask to the scent of my best friend mere feet away.
“So, my ballet group is organising a night out at Matches next weekend, it's our last chance to have a blow out until after the solstice with the winter showcase coming up, are you two up for it?” Bree asks, back to attacking her porridge.
“Yeah, sounds fun. Good choice with Matches,” Claire replies.
“Thanks, it was my idea. Plus, they’ve got the VIP mezzanine, which I’ve booked for us.” Bree moves to wash up her bowl. “You in Rory?” She looks at me.
“Yes, sounds good,” I say, trying to use as little oxygen as possible so I don’t have to inhale.
“Maybe you two can finally get laid this year,” Bree giggles.
“You too!” Claire admonishes.
“I’ll have you know I have a date already lined up,” she announces like we won’t both jump on that bit of information. It's the distraction I need, refocusing me away from the murderous thoughts..
“Who? The girl you danced with on Hallow’s Eve?” Claire asks.
“What girl?” My eyebrows jump up at Bree.
“After you left, I went to find this one,” Claire answers for her, “and she’s practically climbing this tall brunette in a killer catsuit outfit.”
“Yes, that one. Her name is Amelia. She’s a stage tech in training.” Bree can’t hide her smile. I also notice the blush to her cheeks and quickly look anywhere else.
“You never mentioned this to me!” I pout.
“Look, it's new,” Bree interjects, “this will be our first date apart from grabbing a quick coffee this week.” She gives us both a look which says we need to be on our best behaviour next weekend.
“I’ll be flying solo,” I tell them, although the thought of asking Ty to join me is tempting. Would he be able to come? Can we be seen together in public? All questions I have zero answers for.
“Me too. Although, if it's your whole troop going I wouldn’t mind some hot male dancer giving me attention for a night,” Claire adds. I note the pained look on her face.
She dated someone pretty seriously in our first year which ended horribly and hasn’t trusted anyone since. It clearly still haunts her.
“What about you Rory?” Bree asks me. “Am I playing wingman to the pair of you?”
“Er…,” I stumble, “I don’t know.”
“Gotta get back in the saddle sometime.” Bree wiggles her brows in my direction, her face a clear reflection of the plotting going on in her mind.
“I know.” I take a shallow breath, folding my arms across myself. “I might’ve been messaging a guy,” I say hesitantly. It's so soon after what happened with David I don't want to appear cold.
“You have?” Claire says, eyebrows raising. “Is that why you didn’t get with my brother?”
“Yeah, sort of,” I sheepishly admit. “I’d seen this guy around campus a few times. A couple weeks back we ran into each other in the library and started talking. We exchanged numbers.” I know I can’t tell them all the details but it feels good to talk about this to my best friends. “He’s quite mysterious and keeps to himself but we’ve been messaging since and he’s been getting more open. It’s not gone further than that.”
“But you’re hoping it does?” Claire asks, sounding genuine in her interest which makes me relax.
“I think so.”I totally know so.
“Well, invite him next weekend, let’s see if he can pass the best friend test,” Bree orders me, a chagrin smile on her lips which makes me smile back.
“Maybe. I don’t know if it's his scene.”
“Well, you wont know if you don’t ask,” she says, like it's so easy.
“Shit, is that the time? I need to go.” Claire suddenly jumps up and starts shoving stuff in her bag.
I glance at the clock on the wall and realise I too am running late. After skipping classes yesterday I really can’t afford to miss today too.
