“Nice meeting you, Carter. I have to go to work.”
“Where do you work?”
I tell him and he starts walking next to me.
“I’ll walk you to the rec center.”
I’m about to protest, but then I remember that I’ve promised Abi, Alek, and Victor I’ll be around people all the time.
“Are you free this Thursday? I wonder if you want to come to my party?”
My throat gets dry. “Where is it?”
“The townhomes on the other side of campus. I’ll text you the exact address. What’s your number?”
I haven’t even thought about if I want to go to a party. But of course, I do. I didn’t have any friends in high school. I may even join Abi’s sorority.
I tell Carter my number and he texts me the address. I’m saving his name as a contact in my phone when Abi appears in front of us.
“Hey, I was about to come and get you from your class. I was going to walk with you to the gym.”
Abi is smiling, but her gaze darts between me and Carter.
“This is Carter from my math class. Abi is my roommate.”
Abi is staring at Carter unashamedly. I wonder if she’s also noticed the similarity to the guy on my dream board.
Carter clears his throat, fidgeting with his hands.
“Abi, you’re also invited to my party.”
Abi gives me a strange look but doesn’t say anything. It’s so awkward. Carter finally says goodbye.
Abi watches as Carter walks away, and after he disappears from sight, she says, “What the hell, Tia?”
My eyebrows raise.
“First of all, that is so creepy. How is it that he looks so much like the guy on your board?”
We continue walking to the rec center side by side.
“I don’t know. It’s weird.” I shrug.
She is quiet for a minute, then she stops walking and I do the same.
“Okay, here’s my question. Who would you rather date: Carter or Victor?”
“What? I was only talking to the guy… He happens to be in my class.”
She places her hands on her waist. “I’m helping you, Tia. Trust me.”
It’s just my luck I meet the guy of my dreams when I’ve already fallen for Victor.
My dream board has become obsolete. I want something different now. I never imagined I’d fall for a guy like Victor, but I did.
I sigh. “Victor, of course.”
“Exactly. I knew you’d say that. So you don’t have to go to Carter’s party.”
