Page 24 of Unbound
"Engaged," I finished quickly, the word feeling like lead in my mouth.
Adrian's coffee cup paused halfway to his lips. "Engaged?"
"Well, not officially," Rebecca laughed, and I could see her cheeks pink slightly. "But everyone knows we will be. After convocation."
The silence that followed felt endless. Adrian set down his coffee cup very carefully, his expression unreadable.
"Congratulations," he said finally. "That's... wonderful."
"Thank you." Rebecca smiled warmly. "It'll be nice to build a life together. Shared values are so important in a marriage."
"I'm sure they are." Adrian's voice was perfectly polite, but something in his tone made my stomach clench.
He reached into his messenger bag and pulled out a small wrapped box. Navy paper, silver ribbon. My heart stopped.
"Actually, Jesse, before I forget—" He set the box on the table between us. "Your notes. From last week's lecture. You left them at the library, I grabbed them before someone threw them out. Figured you'd need them for the midterm.”
I stared at the box. I hadn't left any notes anywhere. We both knew I hadn't left any notes anywhere.
"I... don't think those are mine," I said carefully.
"Pretty sure they are." Adrian's smile widened. "Had your name right on the front. I also added some supplementary materials I thought might help after our conversation over coffee the other day. Resources. Support materials. I thought I’d practice my gift wrapping skills on them while I was at it, hence the bow." His pause was deliberate. “I also included foundation stuff, just the basics really.”
Foundation.
Like... foundational undergarments.
Oh my God.
"That's very kind of you," Rebecca said, her tone suggesting it was anything but kind. "Jesse's usually so careful with his things."
"Everyone slips up sometimes," Adrian replied, still looking at me. "Makes sense to have backup. Support systems are important, you know? Can't always rely on what you've always used. Sometimes you need an upgrade."
My face was on fire. Rebecca was frowning, clearly trying to parse the subtext she could sense but not quite grasp.
"Thank you," I managed, my hands trembling as I accepted the box. It was lighter than I expected. "I'll... review the materials."
"Take your time. See what fits." Adrian's grin was absolutely wicked. "Though between you and me, I think you'll find the support much more comfortable than what you're used to. Modern materials, better construction. I think the grey will work especially well for you. They'll really make a difference in your daily... academic performance."
Rebecca's frown deepened. "What kind of supplementary materials?"
"Study frameworks, mostly," Adrian said smoothly. "Different approaches to constitutional interpretation. Sometimes the old foundations aren't as solid as we think. Good to explore alternatives." He looked directly at me. "You might be surprised what works better once you actually try it."
I couldn't breathe. Couldn't speak. Could only sit there clutching this box while Adrian dismantled me with double entendres in front of my fiancée.
"Well," he said, standing abruptly. "I should let you get back to studying. Nice meeting you properly, Rebecca."
"You too."
Adrian's eyes met mine one last time. "See you in class, Jesse."
He walked away without looking back, and I watched him go despite myself. When I turned back to Rebecca, she was studying me with a thoughtful expression.
"He seems... intense," she said finally.
"I suppose."
"How long have you been debating with him?"
