“Sorry. What?” I clear my throat, ignoring the way her and Gabe exchange concerning looks at each other.
“You know...I know I made fun of you and Elijahboinkingall the time, but I gotta say, I think I’d choose that over this.” She waves a fork over me, as if to prove her point.
"You’d choose that over what?" I ask, scratching my forehead.
"OvermopeyTobias. Not my fav look on you. It gives me the heebie-jeebies." Her whole body shivers.
“Sadly, I think I’ve got to agree with her, Boss.” Gabe cringes, wiping up some spilt coke on the wood. “You’rewaymore fun with hearts in your eyes.”
I give them both a tired smile. “I’ve been hanging out with you guys every night after work. That isn’t enough for you?”
I’ve never been the biggest drinker, but truthfully, getting to sleep after a few has been helping. Of course, waking up has beenworse…and the anxiety has heightened…and I feel absolutely horrible…but at least I’m getting to sleep. I guess… sort of…
Not really…
“Oh, and we’resothankful,” Claire giggles, leaning into my shoulder. “But…maybe you should see your person.” She says, giving me soft eyes.
I feel my smile fade. Yeah. Wouldn’t that be nice.
“His prof needs his help over Thanksgiving weekend so…he won’t be coming home,” I say sadly, looking down. If I think about it too much, I think I may break.
“That’s such bullshit!” Claire says, slapping the wood.
My eyes widen at her sudden energy burst.
“I bet he’s just begging to see you.” She scoffs. “You know what? I’ve got theperfectidea.” She winks.
“Oh no…why do I feel like I should close my ears for this?” Gabe gives us a straight lined smile as he turns away.
Claire takes me by the shoulders as her lips curve with wicked intent. “You wanna do something that willreallyblow him away?”
22
Elijah
“I really appreciate you staying back this weekend.” Flux smiles at me over her shoulder. I nod my head and smile as she continues scribbling another note on the white board.
We’ve been preparing for upcoming mid-terms and I knew this would be a lot to handle on her own.
“Of course. I wouldn’t want you to have to do this alone.” I grin, flipping the papers on her desk.
“Not many students would want to stay at school this weekend. No Thanksgiving plans?” She asks, looking back at the board.
My stomach sinks. “Uh…not really,” I mutter.
Sensing my lie, Flux puts her hands on her hips and turns to me. “You’ve really been pushing yourself this semester, Elijah. I can see it and I’m proud of you.”
I swallow deeply. “Really?”
“Absolutely. You’ve got real talent and you’re making real use of it.” Her eyes flicker over my face, as though she’s studying me. “But, I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t make me curious about you.”
I tilt my head. “Oh?” I let out a nervous laugh. “I’m not sure what there is to be curious about, I’m a pretty open book.”
Her eyebrows pinch as she steps closer. “Are you? Because, from the outside looking in, it seems like you hold your cards close to your heart and pour out your soul into your work.”
My mouth drops open. “I—”
Her eyes narrow. She sets her whiteboard pen on the desk and takes her glasses off. “Where were you supposed to be this weekend?”
