Page 14 of Pinch
Dammit.
“That’s because it’s not asneezing study.” Her eyes cut, and she turns to place the rinsed plates into the dishwasher.
“Set me straight, then.” I do my best to sound friendly as I open the cabinet doors, one after the other. “What’s so fascinating it’s held your attention since college?”
With an impatient breath, she stops what she’s doing. “What are you looking for?”
“Something to hold these leftovers.”
“I’ll take care of it. You finish here.”
We trade places, and she walks over to a cabinet behind us. While she takes down a square plastic storage bin, I take the now-empty sauce bowls and give them a rinse before placing them on the top rack.
Glancing over my shoulder, I see her spooning leftover steak into the container. “Would it be more correct to say you’re a virologist?”
Her shoulders fall, and she puts the lid on the plastic container, going to the refrigerator and placing it inside before closing it and leaning against it with her arms crossed.
“I wouldn’t say anything to you. That’s not what we’re doing here.”
I shut off the water and turn my back to the sink, mirroring her stance. Now’s as good a time as any to have this conversation, and I’m older now.
I no longer lose the ability to form sentences when she hits me with those blue eyes framed by that wavy curtain of dark brown hair.
“If it makes a difference, I didn’t know we’d be roommates when I took Mav up on his offer. Thank you for saying I could stay.”
Her full pink lips tighten. “You’re Mav’s friend, and you needed a place to crash. It doesn’t mean we’re suddenly friends.”
“Understood.” I want to add I haven’t forgiven her either for what it’s worth, but I don’t. “What happened in college was a long time ago. I’m willing to put it behind us if you are.”
“I’m still friends with Karen.”
It’s like a hot punch to the gut. My jaw clenches.
“And you still believe every word she says?”
“She’s an International Princess Woman. We have a code.”
Shaking my head, I look down. “Right. No one ever breaks it.”
“I realize that can be difficult for some people to understand.”
I look up at her standing there with her arms crossed, her blue eyes focused on me, and I wonder how it can be so easy for her to be so certain.
“She’s not like you, Hayden.”
“Are you saying you didn’t sleep with every girl in the Tri-Delt house?”
That makes me laugh. “I didn’t sleep with every girl in the Tri-Delt house.”
“We really don’t have to dig all this up again.” Her arms uncross, and she takes a step to the door. “If you’ve got that under control, I’ve got work to do before class tomorrow.”
“Yeah, I’ll finish up here.”
She doesn’t say goodnight. She doesn’t say anything as she leaves the room, and I look out the window wondering how long it’ll take for me to find a new place.
It’s my last weekend of not having to be on the rink all day. I’m coming in late, and we’re heading into the regular season.
“Hey, man, that is a very serious look on your face.” Mav hands me a beer, and I take it. “What’s bothering you?”
