***
Sneaking Tobias in and out of the showers was easy enough and before we knew it, we were dressed and ready to go by nine am. It being a holiday weekend means the campus is oddly quiet. But for a weekend that Tobias is visiting? This couldn’t be more perfect.
“Thank you, sir,” I say, grabbing the two coffees from the barista.
“I can’t believe we’re cheating on our girl, Tanya, right now.” I pass Tobias his first ‘on campus’ caramel macchiato.
Tobias raises his eyebrows at me as he takes his first sip from the white cup. I snap a couple photos of him from my camera as he does it, since the sun is shining so brightly against his golden hair.
He licks his lips and takes a moment to consider the taste. “Hmmm.” He narrows his eyes.
“What do you say? Are they puttingBloom & Brewout of business?”
“Mmm…” He takes another sip, licking his lips. “Not even close.” He winks. “It’s good though. Very tasty,” he says, lifting the cup.
“Yeah, well. I can’t say I’m surprised.” I laugh, tapping my cup against his.
As we begin walking, I eye his hand swinging beside me. “Can I…hold your hand?” I know that it’s going to take some time getting used to being out in public. In the restaurant it’s a little different since everyone there knows about us, but we’re still working on everywhere else. I’d never want to push him too quickly.
He gives me a shy smile before nodding his head. “Yeah, baby. It’s okay.” He wraps his hand in mine and gives me a nice quick squeeze.
A gentle flutter rises inside of me as I feel his closeness. “Good.” I smirk, giving the back of his hand a few kisses before tugging it against my chest. “Ugh, I still can’t believe you’re here.” I groan. Having him here makes my heart feel so full.
It’s like nothing can ruin this moment.
“Elijah!” I hear Katelyn’s voice calling out behind me.
My body tenses for some reason as I hear her running over to us in her clunky boots.
Tobias doesn’t let go of my hand which is nice.
Okay, I guess this is a little weird. I didn’t account for this meetup between my ex and my current—and forever—relationship.
“Uh, hey, Katelyn.” I smile, scratching the back of my neck.
Her eyes dart between Tobias and I as she stops in front of us, catching her breath. “No wonder you didn’t pick up your phone.”
“Yeah, I got surprised and we were…a little busy catching up.” I laugh awkwardly, trying to hide my unease.
“Yeah, I bet you were.” Her eyebrow arches as she looks beside me. “Hey, Tobias.”
He gives her a little wave. “Hey, Katelyn. How are you?”
“Good, thanks.” She looks down at our clasped hands and smiles kindly. “You know, I’m really happy for you two. You look good together.”
My eyebrows raise. She’s not usually this warm. “That’s very nice of you to say.” I admit.
“Nice is what they call me.” She gives me a wide grin.
I immediately shake my head and laugh. “No. No they don’t.”
We all share a laugh before a vibration comes from my pocket. “Oh shit, I forgot I had a million calls from Gwen.” I say, pulling out my phone and seeing it’s her.
“I better get this.” I give Tobias a sympathetic smile, feeling the way he’s squeezing my hand. I really don’t want to leave him awkwardly alone with Katelyn but…
“I’ll stay with him. I won’t bite.” She winks, tilting her head.
I look to Tobias who gives me a pensive smile. “I’ll be right back.” I quickly give the back of his hand a kiss before stepping away. It should only take a few minutes anyway. She usually calls just to check-in.
