Page 55 of Bad Crush
“Hey, Janine.”
“Haven’t seen you in years and now twice in a month.”
I ignore the subtle jab. “I was just walking with Adam to class.”
She adjusts her backpack on her shoulder. “Do you have class now?”
“No.”
“So you’re free?”
Well, crap. I walked right into that.
“Oh. I’m actually on my way to University Hall.”
“I’ll walk with you.”
“O-kay.”
We’re quiet as we exit the building and start down the sidewalk. A memory of the two of us walking around campus our junior year of high school flashes through my mind. Janine looks just the same. She’s someone who knew early on exactly who she was. It takes a lot of confidence to be who you are, unwavering and steadfast. I always admired that about her. It’s probably why I was drawn to her as a kid. I had no idea who I was or what I wanted to be. Some days I’m still not sure I have it figured out.
She heads straight for the café when we enter University Hall. “I assume you still live on coffee?”
It’s unnerving being around Janine again. Someone who knows me so well. Every part.
We place our orders at the coffee counter. Awkward silence hangs between us. When the barista rings us up, I hand my card over quickly.
“I’ve got it,” I say. I owe her too much as it is.
“Thanks.”
With our drinks, we meander to a small table in the center of the hall.
“You look good. Happy,” she says after we’re seated. “I can’t believe you’re with Adam. Makes sense though. He’s totally your type.”
“I am happy.” I fidget with the lid of my coffee. “How are you?”
“I’m good.”
“And Sean?”
“Really good. He switched his major, just as you predicted.”
“Yeah?” I ask. “What did he settle on?”
“Law school.”
“I knew it!” I smile big, forgetting myself.
She laughs softly. “Yeah, you did. The day he told me, I thought of you.”
I nod and take a sip of my coffee. Her somber tone smacks me back to reality. We are not two friends catching up. Not anymore.
“I’ve thought about you often,” she continues. Honest, open Janine. My heart thumps too fast in my chest.
“Me too,” I admit, then plaster a smile on my face. “But it sounds like things have been great for you. Graduating early, med school, this big scholarship. I’m really happy for you.”
I’m working on an excuse to get me out of here when she goes for the kill.
