Page 61 of The Tip-Off
“Shoot.” She crosses her arms over her chest and sits back.
“I’m thinking about switching majors.”
“To what?”
“I’m not sure.”
“I don’t understand.” Her mouth pulls into a straight line, but her tone remains soft and understanding. “You’re almost done with your business degree. You’re not going to apply to the MBA program?”
“No, I’m not. Please don’t be mad at me,” I rush before I lose my nerve. “I didn’t want to say anything until I was sure.”
“I’m not mad. I’m sad we won’t be taking the same classes, though. And who will I go into business with?”
“You don’t need me or anyone else. You’re going to rock a startup all on your own and I’ll be there to cheer you on the whole way.”
A real smile reaches her eyes. “What are you thinking of switching majors to?”
“Art, maybe, or marketing, I’m not sure. That’s why I’m here, so you can help me figure it out.”
Her eyes light up. “Ooooh, this could be fun.”
Blair hooks me up with about a dozen different career placement tests and a stack of books on choosing a career.
“Want to come over tonight and drink wine while I uncover my perfect career?”
“I can’t tonight. Tomorrow?”
“Sure, my future can wait until then.” I stand. “Wanna grab lunch at University Hall?”
She looks around. “Why not. My shift goes for another ten minutes, but let’s be honest, no one else is coming to see me today.” Her phone pings. “It’s Wes. I’m going to tell the guys to meet us there.”
A little thrill at seeing Zeke shoots through me, which I ignore. “Cool.”
We’ve just grabbed a table when they walk into University Hall. Wes slides in next to Blair and Zeke hovers at my side.
“Hey.” I scoot over so he can take a seat.
It’s awkward for all of two seconds until he places a large open palm on my leg and squeezes and drops his mouth to mine.
“Hey, beautiful,” he murmurs as he pulls his lips away.
I’m certain I’m blushing, and I can feel Blair and Wes watching, but screw it. I wrap my arms around his neck, claiming him in front of whoever cares enough to see, and kiss him again. It’s the last week of classes before finals, so our time hanging out like this on campus, or anywhere really, is closing in fast. I’m making the most of every opportunity.
“I can’t stay,” he says. “I promised Malone I’d meet him at the gym.”
“Can I come watch you work out?”
“Sure. Prepare to be bored, though.”
Bored watching him? Is he crazy? “I think I’ll manage to stay entertained.”
He grins, a boyish smile that may or may not make my stomach do a little flip. I’m pleading the fifth.
As we stand to leave, Blair calls after me. “Don’t forget, Vanessa and I are moving our stuff in on Thursday morning.”
“I won’t forget. I may even carry a box or two.”
She snorts. “I’m not holding my breath.” Then she squeezes Wes’ arm. “That’s why I have a boyfriend. To lift heavy things and reach items on the top shelf.”
