I try to focus back on the chapter, but I’m not feeling it anymore.
“I think I’m done for the day,” I announce, snapping the book shut. “Want a ride home?”
“I’m good, thanks. I’m going to stick around here for a while.”
“I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“You’lltextme tomorrow, you mean.”
“But that other guy gets to call you?” I whine, tidying my stuffaway. “You know, one day you’re gonna be so obsessed with me you’ll beg me to answer the phone!”
It was supposed to be a joke, but now that I’ve said it out loud, it sounds weird, and I’m kind of cringing.
“Oh, I’m sure I will.” She snickers. “I’m sure I’ll declare my undying love for you when we go on that epic Polish adventure.”
I get to my feet and walk around the table to where she’s sitting. I grab hold of her bun, just like that John guy did earlier. And then I lean down and plant an obnoxiously wet kiss on her cheek.
“See you soon,Wolinski.”
I don’t hear what she says to that. Because by the time she’s opened her mouth to speak, I’m on the other side of the room.
I should be spending all my spare time and energy on becoming a better person—and instead I’m over here plotting ways to get Carrie to finally relax around me. I guess that could be considered part of the learning process. Not exactly what I’d planned… but it can’t hurt.
Call itpractical, hands-on experience.
11CARRIE
There’s a sharp knock on the door, then another. I jerk my head up so fast, my glasses nearly go flying off my face. Nobody ever swings by my place without a heads-up—especially not on a Tuesday evening.They probably got the wrong door.
I place my laptop down and wait a beat, part of me hoping whoever it is will just give up. The knocking starts back up. Louder, this time. I sigh. I was really getting into this movie.Shit, this better be a life-or-death situation… Maybe there’s a fire on campus.
I stride over to the door, silently cursing the ancient wad of gum stuck over the peephole.
“Who’s there?”
“Me.”
Lord help me. What the hell is he doing here?
“You’ve gotta be pretty arrogant to think ‘me’ is enough to get a girl to swing open her door.”
“It’s your book boyfriend!”
I can picture him standing behind the door, inches away from me. I run back through my schedule. We didn’t have plans to meet today. And we woulddefinitelynever have plans to meet here, of all places.
He knocks again, and I slide open the lock.
“Honey, I’m home!” he singsongs.
Every inch of me wants to slam the door shut in his stupid face.
“What?” I snap.
He opens his mouth. Shuts it again.
“I was about to say something kinky, but I feel like it won’t land well.” He grins.
“Look at you! Working on your awareness skills.”
