The café is located on the other side of campus, so Leo drives over and parks in the lot nearby.
I skipped dinner and this gives me a chance to grab some food for Jaeger and me, and maybe pick something up for the morning.Jaeger has to leave early again tomorrow, and Leo agreed to give me a ride to work, which is pretty big of him.
Leo works at a restaurant during the day and says giving me a ride is no big deal, but I feel I owe him.He’s really helped me get around town these last few weeks, and I hope he does take me up on the offer to help with school.
Gen’s still working nights at the casino, and I don’t trust her behind a wheel at seven a.m.under normal conditions, let alone after only a couple hours of sleep.And though we’ve talked, Tyler’s been reclusive since my mom’s surprise visit.He’s been staying with a friend the last couple of nights.
I havenotmentioned my carpool arrangements for tomorrow to Jaeger.He’ll be gone by the time I leave, and I think he assumes Gen’s taking me to work.I didn’t correct him.I’m worried he’ll bring up the car thing, and it still embarrasses me.I’d just as soon not discuss that I can’t afford a vehicle.And bumming a ride from Leo is preferable to taking the bus.
Leo, Brad, and I are at the campus café, when Brad holds the cooler door open for me.I’ve been staring inside at the drinks for the last minute, trying to decide what I want.“What can I get you, Cali?”
It’s late and it’s been a long day.A little extravagance is in order.“Chocolate milk, please.”
“You got it.”He grabs the milk, along with a sandwich, bottled water, and a soft drink he hands to Leo, then walks to the counter.He pays for all of it before I can say anything.
Okay—that was nice.He didn’t have to do that.I offer him money for the chocolate milk, but he shakes his head.
I grab a muffin and some other items and set them on the counter to pay.By the time I return home around ten, Jaeger’s passed out in his clothes on top of the air mattress, his breathing steady and deep.He managed to remove his shoes, so I don’t bother waking him.I wash up, pull on nightclothes, and crawl under the covers next to him.
When I wake the next morning, Jaeger is gone.
I’m bummed.
The legalities of getting Kate out of his house and keeping up with his workload are taking up all of his time.I pull out my phone and text him.
Cali:Missed you this morning.
He responds almost immediately.
Jaeger:I snuggled you when I woke, but you were passed out.Crushed my ego to have my kisses swatted away like a fly.I expect recompense this evening, and ego-stroking.Other stroking acceptable as payment as well :)
Cali:Stroking to commence this evening.Don’t pass out this time before I get home!
An hour later, I’m showered and eating the last bite of my muffin when Leo’s car pulls into the driveway.Brad is in the passenger seat.Did he say he was coming too?
I lock the front door and walk over.Leo holds up his hand in a brief wave, and Brad tracks my progress to the car.
“Morning.”I close the door and buckle my seatbelt.
Brad reaches back, holding out a Starbucks cup.“Mocha.I noticed you like chocolate last night.”
Not as much as I like lattes in the morning, but I don’t kick chocolate out of bed.Ever.“Thanks,” I say.“What do I owe you?”
“On me,” Brad says.
I glance at Leo, who’s watching the exchange through the rearview mirror.He looks away nervously and reverses down the drive.
“Brad, you sure you don’t want me to take you straight there?”Leo asks.
“No, I’m good.”Brad taps a happy tune on the window with his finger.“It’s right by her work.I can walk from there.”
So Leo’s giving Brad a ride as well.He’s way too nice.I’ve got to at least offer Leo gas money the next time we’re alone.
Savoring the chocolatey goodness of my mocha, I glance out the window at the businesses on Stateline Boulevard, taking one sip for every name or title we pass with the wordchaletin it.By the time Leo drops me off in the parking lot, I’ve polished off my mocha and have an extra bounce in my step from the sugar/caffeine combo.
A warm sensation runs through me as I enter the front doors.Leftover euphoria from my delightful mocha?
I’m happy.I mean, really happy.It’s my job, or Jaeger, I don’t know which, but I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy in my life.The world is a wonderful place.
