Me: Sorry. I ran into someone I met at freshman orientation. Eating a quick lunch while studying for calculus.
Will: Okay, baby. I’ll let you go. I have to meet Luke for a workout anyway. I’ll see you Friday. I made hotel reservations for us.
Me: Counting down the days. Have a good workout.
Will: I will. Have fun studying. I love you, Lex.
I was instantly filled with guilt. I stared at my phone. An uneasy feeling moved through my body. I hated that Will hung out with Luke, especially with Luke’s player ways.
Stop being so jealous of nothing, Alex.
Should I tell Will I’m with a guy?
What good would that do? He’d just worry.
Me: It won’t be fun. I love you, too, Will.
I put my phone into my back pocket again and looked at Blake. He was reading something on his phone and smiling. I didn’t want to like his smile, but I did.
I pushed my thoughts aside. “Sorry. Will is making plans to come visit this weekend.”
Blake nodded his head and looked down at my books. “So, calculus, huh?”
I moaned and rolled my eyes. I opened the book, and before I knew it, we were neck high in all things calculus and chemistry.
Three hours later, I was taking a sip of coffee as Blake helped explain the last problem to me.
“Gosh, Blake, I don’t know how to thank you enough. You’ve really helped me a ton.”
He smiled as he reached across the table and pushed a piece of hair behind my ear. “You, um…you had a piece of hair fall out of your ponytail.”
I smiled and nodded my head. “Well, I guess I’d better get back to my room. Grace is probably wondering where I am.” I started gathering up all my books and then stood up. I reached across the table and shook Blake’s hand.
“Should we exchange numbers?” Blake asked as he stood up.
My stomach took a fast dive. “Why?”
He laughed. “I’m in a study group. We meet a few times a week. If you need help again, you’re more than welcome to join us. Grace, too, if she wants.”
It seemed innocent enough, and he’d even invited Grace.
“Okay, sure.”
I gave him my cell number, and he immediately sent me a text.