He nodded and smiled. Maybe he was a little cute at second glance.
“And you’re Samantha. Nice to meet you. I’ve seen you around.”
I narrowed my eyes at him. “You have?”
“Well, sure. You’re hard to miss. I’ve seen you once or twice with Lucas Hunter. Please don’t tell me you’re a part of his entourage! Makes me sick how girls follow pretty boy everywhere around school. I hear he’s finally leaving.”
“We’re just friends. He’s headed to California in a couple of days.” I tried to say it without sounding as devastated as I was.
“Interesting. Anyway, enough about him. Tell me about you; where do you live?”
“I live in the Bronx.” Marc squinted at me.
“All the way up there? I’m guessing you’re a Yankees fan. I live in Queens. I usually don’t travel that far or tolerate arrogant Yankees fans, but I’d make an exception for you.”
“Should I feel lucky?” I rolled my eyes and went back to my drink.
“You’re a spunky little thing. I think I need to take you out and see how feisty you really are.” Marc gave me a wink. It wasn’t as sexy as when Lucas did it, but I had to admit Marc was growing on me.
“Could I have your number? There’s a good restaurant I know in Queens if you like Greek food. I’ll even drive across the bridge and pick you up. What do you say, Sam?”
“Samantha. I don’t let anyone call me Sam.” That is, anyone except a gorgeous soon-to-be ex-college advisor who was taking that privilege with him across the country.
It was time to stop fishing in the deep waters when it came to guys, and give someone who seemed to have a genuine interest in me a chance. I glanced to where Lucas was standing with his arm playfully around the girl’s tiny waist. I looked away before I saw them kiss again.
“Do you have a pen?”
Marc’s eyes lit up as he reached in his pocket and handed me one. I grabbed a napkin and wrote down my number. He put the napkin in the front pocket of his shirt and patted it like he had something valuable.
“Sorry, Sam. I got a little preoccupied back there.” Lucas came up behind me and put his hand on my shoulder, making me jump.
“No worries. It’s your last night out; you shouldn’t have to waste it with me.” I shrugged and turned back to Marc. I knew that seemed cold, and I felt awful. It wasn’t his fault he didn’t feel the same way, and he was never mean to me or acted like he didn’t have time for me.
“Don’t be like that, Sam. You looked like you were about to say something—”
“Jesus, pretty boy, do you have to lay claim on every girl?” Marc shook his head and got up from the stool, turning to me. “I’ll call you tomorrow and tell you what time I’ll pick you up.” Marc smirked at me and touched the bottom of my chin to make me look up at him. “Goodnight, beautiful.” I chuckled at his boldness and nodded.
Lucas scowled at Marc as he strutted away to join the rest of his frat brothers.
“You’re going out with Marc Christensen?”Lucas had never raised his voice or looked agitated in front of me before. “Look, Sam, I would never tell you who to date, but I really don’t like—”
“It’s only dinner. A girl’s gotta eat. It’s not like I’m marrying him or anything.” I shrugged and gave him a smile, still feeling bad because of the way I spoke to him. I stood up from my stool and moved closer to where he stood.
Lucas shrugged and was about to say something else when I felt a tap on my shoulder.
“Samantha, we need to leave. Tony is here with that bitch, and I can’t stare at them all night.” Our friend Morgan glared at the couple openly making out in the corner. I assumed that was her ex and his flavor of the month. Jason stood behind her, shaking his head.
“Give me a minute; I’ll meet you outside.” She let out a long sigh and nodded as she sulked her way out of the bar.
This was it. This was goodbye. There was so much I wanted to say. I wanted to tell him how amazing he was and that I would never forget him, but the words wouldn’t come out.
“So, I guess this is goodbye.” I looked up at Lucas, and he shook his head.
“I’m moving to San Diego, not another planet. I still have family here so I’ll always be back and forth. I’ll email everyone when I get settled.”
I took a deep breath. “Thank you for everything. You’re an incredible guy, and I know you’ll kick ass in California. I was lucky to get to know you and be your friend.” I swallowed hard. Lucas wasnotgoing to see me cry; I wanted to walk away with a little bit of self-respect.
Lucas smiled and held his arms out for a hug. I was more than willing to comply and held him tight to my body. If he was going to be a memory from now on, I wanted to make sure I remembered exactly what it felt like to touch him. He turned his head and gave me a sweet kiss on the cheek that made my knees buckle.
