A part of me thought he’d show up to walk me to class or be outside with a coffee, but I haven’t seen him all day.
I understand why he’s angry with me. If the roles were reversed, I’d be too.
I saw you with him.
Cooper must’ve seen or heard me and Zach. When and where, I don’t know. What I do know is that it had to be out of context. Outside our class together or bumping into eachother in the psych building, Zach and I haven’t hung out. I like someone else, and we both know it. I told Zach that when he asked me on a second date.
Our last interaction was on my walk home from campus last week. Zach asked to borrow my notes for the lectures he was going to miss. Asked if I could bring them by on Monday when he got back, which I did before this run.
Maybe I’m stalling. Maybe I’m letting him stew in his assumptions.
Either way he’s about to leave practice. Either way, I plan to go over there tonight to tell him how I feel.
Elliot’s in the living room putting on shoes when I get back. “Those were left for you.”
On the counter is a vase of my favorite flowers, Tulips. They’re from Cooper, I have no doubt. Tulip season starts mid-April around here, but mid-March or sometimes earlier in warmer climates. Mom sent me a picture of a shipment on orange and pink ones that came in late last week.
“The guys and I are going to catch a movie.” Elliot walks to the kitchen island, leans across it to steady my hand playing with the orange petals. “Wanna come?”
“I need to shower, and midterms are coming up,” I list off miscellaneous items on an imaginary to-do list looking for a reason not to go.
“Cooper’s not going if that’s what you want to know.”
“Oh.” I turn away from her and pace the kitchen.
Elliot pops up behind me. “I can drop you off there. I’m picking them up.”
“Why’d I have you do that?”
“Oh for the love of my sanity. I know you’re going to end up there.”
“Am not?—”
“Whatever. Take your shower and shave and moisturize. I left my container in there since you still haven’t bought more.” Elliot’s walking toward the door. “Wear cute pajamas, and at least text me if you aren’t coming home tonight.”
I ignore her, repositioning the vase next to the sink, but she’s right.
I take a shower and rehearse what I’m going to say to him for the millionth time before leaving.
THIRTY-FOUR
COOPER
My roommates tookoff to catch a new action movie with Elliot. I stayed back when Chase innocently told meshewasn’t going.
She’s not going because it’s Monday and Sutton has another date with Zach.
I tried to catch her before she left, fully intending to tell her not to go. No one was home when I stopped by, so I left the vase outside their door.
That was three hours ago.
If anyone peeked in through the kitchen window, they’d think I’m tunneling myself into the laminate with my pacing. I can’t stop. I tried sitting on the couch, but my knee wouldn’t stop bouncing. Even making a bowl of popcorn and turning on a movie was a complete fail. Sweet and salty pieces litter the carpet.
It’s been this way since everyone left.
The doorbell rings, louder than her favorite movie I’m punishing myself with playing low in the background. I ignore it.
I hear a key in the lock, and rush to the front window to see who it is—Jaxon moved the hook-up-key this morning, textingour group chat with Elliot and Sutton the new location. Elliot is with them now, and Sutton isoccupied…
