Page 12 of Seeds of Love
And now this.
Freddie.
The guy who’s been living rent-free in my head since that party, despite my best efforts to evict him.
Seriously, I’ve tried everything short of a mental exorcism. Maybe I could ask Tara for help; she did mention she has a pack of tarot cards.
As we’re packing up, Freddie saunters over to me. “So, I saw you taking a lot of notes.”
“Yes, it’s a class,” I deadpan.
He laughs. “I get that. Did any of that make sense to you? I feel like I’m a few steps behind. It’s been a while since I took a science class.” He rakes a hand through his hair, stretchinghis neck from left to right. It’s not fair. He looks like a Greek god. How can somebody look so comfortable with themselves at college?
I shrug. “Yeah. I mean, I read some books over summer, so I know most of that stuff already.”Great, Alex. Why don’t you just tell him you spend your Friday nights color-coding your personal periodic table?
He whistles. “Check you out. Studying over summer? Most high school seniors spend their time having a summer fling with their neighbor or working a shitty part-time job.”
I feel my cheeks heat up, but I can’t just walk away. That’s what old-Alex would do. Channeling every rom-com heroine I’ve ever seen, I put a hand on my hip and say, “How do you know I didn’t do those too?” I keep my voice steady.
He licks his lips and laughs, holding his hands up. “Apologies, I shouldn’t have assumed otherwise.”
I grin despite myself. It’s not a total lie. I did have a part-time job, at least—working as a server at Rebby’s diner. It wasn’t the worst job in the world, plus the locals loved me and always tipped well. Despite my parents insisting I summer with them in Italy (I know, poor me), I wanted to get some life experience. I’d never had a proper job before, and I was starting to feel like I was wrapped in wool.
We walk out of class side by side. I have to step a little faster to keep up with his impossibly long strides.
“And it’s not studying to me,” I feel the need to clarify. Freddie raises an eyebrow, intrigued.
“Hmm, what is it then?”
“Pursuing an interest. I love this stuff,” I admit. “I enjoy learning about how our planet ticks, so maybe one day I can figure out how to save it.”
He tilts his head, and I feel naked under his gaze. I have the sudden urge to take everything I just said back.
Now would be a great time for a fault underground to activate, creating a crevice just large enough for me to fall into.
“That’s…admirable,” he settles on. I’m not sure if he means it or is just being polite. “I can’t imagine researching this stuff for fun.”
I nod, swallowing thickly.
“Well, Lexie, I am your disciple.” At my puzzled look, he explains, “Look, it’s clear that I need some help with this stuff, and you can be my sensei. Would you do me the honor and privilege of being my study buddy?”
I glance at him out of the corner of my eye. Ah, now it makes sense. He’s interested in me to copy my homework.
Classic.
Still, a traitorous part of me can’t help but be a little thrilled at the prospect of spending more time with him. Plus, Tara and her brother are really close, and she’s already suggesting going to their house for dinner soon, so it can’t hurt to get to know Freddie better if I’m going to be seeing him more.
In fifth grade, Jared Wilson asked me on a date in front of the whole class. I stuttered and stammered my way into saying yes, feeling like I’d just won the awkward pre-teen lottery. That same day, we had lunch together outside. It was nice, in that “oh-god-what-do-I-do-with-my-hands” kind of way. He asked me about my crystal necklace, and I, being the little rock nerd I was (and still am), told him it was rose quartz and how the rose part was actually just an impurity in the crystal structure. He told me that was the coolest fact he’d ever heard, and I’d never been prouder. I was already planning our science-themed wedding.
Then, he casually slipped in that he wanted to sit next to me during the quiz later. His mom had threatened to take away his video game privileges if he failed another test, so would I mind if he just peeked at my sheet?
Eager to please my new boyfriend, I agreed. Only, the next day, when Icalledhim my boyfriend, he laughed at me in front of all his friends and told me he’d never date a nerd like me. And just like that, I experienced my first heartbreak.
I won’t be fooled twice. I know that Freddie asking to be study buddies is nothing more than him needing help. He’s not promising to be my boyfriend, and I won’t start planning any weddings.
At my hesitation, Freddie continues, “I’ll be honest, it’s actually really important to me that I do well. I kinda lost focus last year, but I need to do well this year. I want to get good grades and get a good job. It’ll be a lot easier with someone to study with. I’d really owe you, Lexie.” His voice lowers in a way that makes heat rush through my body.
“I… S-sure,” I stammer.
