We watch the stars for the next couple of hours, counting the meteorites we’re able to spot. Vix makes a wish on every one she sees and tells us to do the same. It’s a crisp night, and Mavix is unable to control her shivering. Her teeth are chattering, but she refuses to call it a night and go back inside.
I watch as Kash offers her his blanket and wraps it around her shoulders, rubbing her arms to keep her warm. I could have done the same, but curiosity has gotten the better of me tonight. I watch them, seeing how they are with one another. The way her eyes shift away from his when they look at each other for a moment too long. I hadn’t noticed it before, but I’m pretty certain this isn’t one-sided. Oddly, I’m at ease, though. I’m confident in our love to know that even if she harbours feelings for Kash, it doesn’t mean she loves me any less.
TWENTY-TWO
VIX - PRESENT
Classes drag on,and I can’t seem to pay attention to the lecture. I’d always been a decent student, especially when I was genuinely interested in the subject being taught. Still, lately, I feel like I’m just coasting along, attending classes out of obligation to stay enrolled, rather than for the purpose of bettering my future. By the time it’s over, and students are shuffling out the door, I’m tired and ready for a night in. Kash is waiting for me, leaning against the doorframe with a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. I smile back, confused as to why he’s meeting me here.
“Did we have plans I’ve forgotten about?”
“You forgot?” he asks, slapping his palm over his heart as if I’ve wounded him. I stare at him, eyes wide, unsure of what I could have forgotten.
“I’m kidding,” he toys with me, and I whack his shoulder.
“I just wanted to see if you want to have a movie night tonight,” he says so nonchalantly. I gaze at him with squinted eyes.
“What’s your game here, Kash Money?” I ask, and he laughs.
“No game, I swear.” He holds his hands up, feigning innocence.
“Aussy has class tonight,” I tell him.
“Yes, he does,” he says, and we stop walking, having reached my door. I look into his eyes, and my stomach flips. The dark blue rings around his irises draw me in. Before I know what I’m doing, I nod my head in agreement to have a movie night with Kash.
“Sure,” I tell him, my voice quiet and unsure of itself. Kash smiles. A smile that lights up his entire face.
“Cool, come by around seven?” he asks, and I nod. Unsure what I just agreed to.
I head inside, not sure what just happened. Leah sits on her bed with her textbooks and study cards scattered about.
“Jeeze, you look like you’ve just seen a ghost,” she says, and I groan. “What’s eating you up?” Sauntering over to my bed, I flop down.
“I think I just agreed to a date with your brother,” I say, half joking, crinkling my nose as I say it out loud.
“You did what now?” she asks, actually wanting me to repeat the words I struggled to get out the first time.
“Aussy has class tonight, which Kash knows, and he wants me to go over for a movie night anyway,” I tell her.
“Uh-huh,” she says, nodding her head, “and you told him where to shove it, right?”
“Lee…” I warn her.
“God, please don’t throw your relationship away with Austin for my brother.” She physically cringes. I shoot a glare in her direction.
“I’m not throwing anything away, Leah. Maybe he just wants to hang out. I mean, we’ve never really hung out alone before or gotten to know each other. He already knows you, and he is Austin’s best friend.”
“Right… Remember, you said all this when you come home later, telling me he put the moves on you.” I roll my eyes, knowing she’s being ridiculous. “If you’re so worried, then why don’t you come with me, and we can all watch a movie together?” I asked her.
“As much as I would love to go watch a movie with my dear old brother. I have an exam I have to study for,” she claims.
“Right…” I throw right back at her, “an exam,” I say in quotations.
Throwing on a pair of yoga pants and Austin’s HHU hoodie, I put my hair up in a messy bun, giving absolutely zero effort in my appearance, in an attempt to prove to Leah that this is, in fact, just a hangout as I would do with her.
“Tell your mystery man I say hello.” I give her a wink and head out the door.
It’s7:02 and I’m still standing outside of Kash’s door. I haven’t knocked. I’m tempted to walk away and pretend I forgot we were supposed to hang out. But that would be awful, right? Why am I so nervous? Am I making a bigger deal out of this than it needs to be? Would this make Austin uncomfortable? I inhale a deep breath, hold it for a few moments and exhale, trying to calm my nerves. Don’t be stupid. It’s just Kash. I tell myself, and the door opens.
