“How far of a drive is that from here?”
“I’m near the Maryland-Pennsylvania border, about three and a half hours, so it’s not bad. Makes it so my parents can come to my games sometimes. I’d love for you to meet them. I think they’d really like you,” he adds casually.
Um. What the fuck? There’s nothing casual about an invite to meet anyone’s parents. Especially not the guy I have a crush on.
Fuck, I just admitted it. Even if it was just to myself.
No denying it though. I have a crush on Will, and I have no business having it.
But… this is the same man who apparently didn’t blink at the thought of spending the night in my bed, so I think it’s becoming pretty obvious that our definitions of casual are different. I attempt to school my expression and respond in a steady voice. “Why’s that?”
“You’re great, obviously. So, what’s not to like?”
“Yeah, maybe one day,” I mutter even though I doubt I’ll ever meet them. That’s something a boyfriend does, and that’s not what I am.
“So what about you?” he asks, and I suck my lip between my teeth.
I know he’s probably just asking me where I’m from, but I want Will to know more. Want him to know me. “I’m from Ohio. It isn’t far, but I’m usually the one making the trip, not my mom. She’s great and has always done her best for my brother and me, but most days she’s just trying to make ends meet.” I shrug, and that’s probably enough family conversation for right now. “So, North Carolina?”
“Yeah. Coach loves it there, we go every year and play some out-of-conference games on the way down.”
“Do you stay overnight a lot during the season?” I can’t help but wonder how often I’ll actually be seeing him. The thought makes something twist in my gut even though it’d probably be for the best.
“I think we have two or three overnight trips planned on top of our spring break trip.”
“It’s cool you get to go somewhere warm. I usually just stay here and work as much as I can. It’s nice because campus is quiet, and I get more hours since most people do leave.” Now that I say it out loud though, it sounds sad, and I worry my attempt at a lighter topic has failed miserably, so I rush tomention Josie’s plans. “This year I’m actually going to a cabin with Josie for a few days, though. She surprised me for my birthday and planned it.”
“That sounds awesome, much more relaxing than a bus full of lacrosse players.”
I laugh, and my phone buzzes on the table. Damn, it’s my alarm already. I need to get to class.
“Well, that was quick, and we accomplished nothing,” I point out, but I don’t regret it.
He smiles. “I’m glad we got to hang out. I’ll walk you to class, too.” I level him with a look, but he shrugs. “It’s on the way to the science building.”
When he puts it that way… “Okay.” We get up from the table and gather our things before leaving the library. “So what day do you leave?”
“For break?” he checks as we walk down the sidewalk toward my class. I nod, and he continues. “Next Friday afternoon.”
For some reason I immediately wonder when I’ll see him again, as if it’s a challenge and we have to hang out as many times as possible before he leaves.
“When do you get back?”
“I think the following Friday night, maybe. Why? You going to miss me?”
“Eh,” I tease, shrugging, even though that tiny voice inside my head is chanting,yes, I wish you were coming to the lake with me instead.
“You’ll miss me,” he declares confidently, and I roll my eyes, but I’m unable to hide my smile.
“Well, this is my building, so I’ll see you later?” I’m not sure why that came out like a question, but it did.
“Yeah, I’ll text you.”
“Okay, bye!” I can feel myself blushing, so I hurry into myclass, attempting to ignore the giddy way I seem to feel after spending time with Will recently.
And I definitely don’t spend my class daydreaming of a life where he’s actually into me and sees me as more than just his new friend.
18
