A girl bumps into her, sending her straight into my chest.
I wrap my arm around her waist and steady her.
“Are you okay?” I ask.
She gives me a nod.
“Are you?—”
“Ah! Look at it. You have a girlfriend.” I avert my gaze from Rose to the girl who stands with a hand resting on her hip.
I think I’ve seen her before. Her blue eyes and blond hair.
“You got a fucking problem?” I ask her, point blank.
She scoffs. “Justunimpressedwith your taste.”
“I don’t care about your fucking opinion.”
Hurt flickers through her gaze. “You don’t remember me, do you?”
I shake my head. “I’m glad I don’t.”
“I’m Shian,” she tells me.
I look down at Hope. “Text me if something happens.”
She nods.
I bend my head down and kiss her softly. And then I’m gone.
—————————
Classes goby and it’s lunch time when I finally get to see Rose.
Sebastian and I wait in the parking lot to go eat at a diner. Sitting in the cafeteria would bother all of us, but especially Rose. She had a panic attack yesterday at the thought of everyone knowing about her. So far, no one has said anything to her in front of me, but I know there must have been comments that people are dying to say.
Fuck.
This takes me back to when Marie was dealing with this sort of stuff. It’s not as extreme now, but the effect is the still same. Words get to people.
Sebastian crunches on Doritos loudly. “So, did you ask her out on the date?”
I swear he’s more obsessed about my date than me. I’m more nervous about it.
“Not yet,” I say, staring hard at the doors. Marie and Rose should be out by now.
“What are you waiting for?”
“I just made things clear to her this morning. I told her that being my girl meant she’s my girlfriend.”
“Well, at least you madesomeprogress.”
“She’s been through a lot. I want to take things slow.” I lean back and face him. “Besides, I don’t have any rush. If anything I kinda like how we are.”
Sebastian bursts out laughing, making me feel like an idiot. “I can’t believe I’m hearing those words come out of your mouth.”
I flush. “What do you fucking mean?”
