Page 20 of Off The Rush
I can’t help but chuckle as I stand by them. “There’s this girl in one of my classes,” I begin, feeling my cheeks grow warm. “She’s got this attitude and she doesn’t just throw herself at me like most girls do. It’s… refreshing.”
“Ooh, JD’s got a crush!” Luka teases, elbowing me playfully in the ribs.
“Seriously, though, that’s great,” Alec chimes in, pausing the game to give me his full attention. “You deserve someone who keeps you on your toes.”
“Thanks.”
“Speaking of relationships,” Alec continues, smirking, “I’ve got a girlfriend now.”
Should I keep quiet that Luka has already mentioned her to me? I don’t want to have to explain his crush so I better pretend.
“Wait, what?” I blink at him, surprised. “Since when? And how come we haven’t met her yet?”
“Relax, man,” Alec laughs. “It’s still pretty new. You’ll meet her next weekend at the party.”
“Good for you,” I say and leave it at that. I’ll have to get more details when Luka isn’t around.
“Guess it’s your turn to find a girl, huh, Luka?” Alec teases, nudging him with a grin. “I can’t ever imagine Luka settling down.”
Luka scratches his chin, looking contemplative. “Yeah, right.”
“You would for the right girl,” I say standing up for him.
Alec snorts.
Luka’s gaze is distant for a moment before snapping back to the present. “Let’s get back to kicking your ass in this game!”
I grab a controller and settle in between Alec and Luka, joining their game. As our digital characters duke it out on screen.
My mind begins to drift toward thoughts of Emma and how I can spend more time with her outside of class. I got her number earlier for class-related purposes, but maybe it’s time to test those boundaries a bit. Pulling out my phone, I shoot her a quick text.
Hey, it’s JD. Wanna meet up to go over the current assignment?
Satisfied with my message, I toss my phone on the couch beside me and refocus on the game. But as the minutes tick by, and my virtual life count dwindles to an embarrassing low, I find myself glancing at my phone every few seconds, eagerly awaiting her response.
“Come on, man, you’re better than this!” Luka chides me, laughing as his character defeats mine yet again.
“Sorry, just waiting on a text,” I admit sheepishly, finally snatching my phone when it vibrates with a new notification. It’s Emma.
Sure, we can meet up. But only for class stuff, nothing else.
My heart races as I quickly type out a reply.
Perfect! How about the coffee shop near campus in an hour?
My phone dings and now I’m completely ignoring the game.
Sounds good. See you then.
And just like that, my excitement soars to new heights. It may not be a date, but it’s progress. I shove my phone back in my pocket, ready to give the game my full attention – at least until it’s time to meet Emma and charm her.
After two more rounds, it’s time.
“Guys, I’ve gotta get ready,” I announce, dropping the controller and rising from my seat.
“Where are you going?” Alec asks, pausing the game to give me his full attention.
Luka’s curiosity is piqued as well. “Yeah, what’s up?”
