I’ve asked them not to gift, but that seems to be like waving a red flag at a bull.
The feed rolls up almost too fast to catch every notification, but that’s okay; I’m only watching for one username.
Except, I don’t see it again. They are definitely watching—I checked. They just aren’t talking to me.
Which is fine. Good, even. I could use a little space.
“Okay, I’m going to go get something to eat. Good night, everyone!”
I wave for a few seconds and then hit the end button, smiling until my screen goes completely dark.
Immediately, a notification pops up from SugarLife.
EyesOnYou:Congratulations on your test result. I’m proud of you. I hope you are proud of yourself too.
Chapter 74
Emery
“One hot chocolate with chocolate drizzle,” Will announces as he places my drink on the table in front of me.
I smile at him as he takes the seat across from me and slip my hands around the warm mug. “Thanks.”
The bell over the door chimes, and I glance over and watch a group of students enter Grinder. Every single time it hashappened since I arrived, my gaze snaps to the door, tension floods my system, and my limbs ache like they weigh a million pounds.
I think I might be suffering from PTSD from the last time I attempted to have a sit-down drink in this café. Maybe I should have asked Will to go to an off-campus place. It might have helped with the awkwardness that is floating between the two of us.
Because it is awkward with a capital A. There has been next to no eye contact since we met outside, and he went straight to get in line at the register, leaving me to pick a table. Not to mention the ghost of Saturday night sitting between us.
Oh, well. No need to add any more awkward to this situation.
So…words, I guess? If this is supposed to be a date or whatever, then we should probably talk.
“I’m so sorr—”
“About Saturday—”
We both start and stop at the same time.
Heat burns my cheeks as he shoots me a sheepish smile. Quickly, I restart what I’d been about to say. “I’m sorry about Saturday night. I should have sent you a message to let you know I was leaving.”
Will’s eyes widen and he shakes his head. “No, that’s on me. I invited you to a party and then disappeared on you. I should have found a way to stay with you. I’m the one who should be sorry.”
“How about we say we’re even?” I offer, attempting to smile in an encouraging way. And to show how comfortable I am, I raise my mug and take a sip. The chocolate drizzle seems to hold the frothy top together and a huge hunk of it shoots into my mouth.
Not expecting it, I cover my mouth with my hand, lower the mug, and use my tongue to mush the clumped-up chocolate tothe roof of my mouth while trying not to cough and splutter the frothy mouthful all over the table.
My eyes may or may not have watered.
Thankfully, Will doesn’t seem to notice my near-death-by-chocolate experience. His shoulders sag, and his usual Colgate smile returns as he reaches for his own drink, which is some sort of coffee. “Yeah, that sounds good.”
The door chimes over his shoulder, and before I can stop myself, I glance at the door again.
Why aren’t any of these people in a class right now?
I wouldn’t say Grinder is packed, but it is definitely fuller than I would have thought for nine a.m. on a Tuesday.
Okay, I need to stop looking around and pay more attention to Will.
