On my stroll over, I get a number of congratulations and pats on the back for my performance Saturday night.
I walk into the building with my head held high and ego boosted. Rounding the corner, I immediately spot Olivia sitting in her seat, writing in her planner. “Hey, Finch,” I greet her, walking into the classroom and taking my seat next to her.
Her head perks up at the sound of my voice, her eyes finding mine. “Hey,” she says, flashing me that smile of hers. “I heard you had a good weekend.”
“Yeah.” I chuckle, still riding my high, especially after she personally bid me congratulations. “Thanks, we really kicked ass. How was shopping with Delilah?”
Her face falls, a look of agony washing over her features. “Remember how I told you sometimes I think a root canal would be more fun? That was one of those times.”
“Ouch. Sorry. You should have come to the game instead,” I jab playfully.
Her lips turn up into a half smile, and she shoots me an apologetic look. “Maybe next time.”
“I’m going to hold you to it.”
Once class is dismissed, I wait for Olivia to finish packing up her things and walk out of the classroom with her. As soon as we make it to the hallway, Olivia pulls her vibrating cell phone out of her pocket, checking the caller ID before answering.
“Hey, Dee,” she greets her friend. Even with the buzz of the hallway I can slightly pick up Delilah’s frantic, apologetic voice coming from the other end of the line, making Olivia’s brows knit together.
I watch Olivia’s shoulders deflate, a small frown pulling at her lips as she listens to Delilah carry on.
When we reach the front of the building, I hold the door open for her, letting her walk out first, and she mouths me a quick thank-you.
“No, it’s okay,” Olivia says, trying to hide her wounded tone, prompting Delilah to spout out what sounds like more apologies. “Dee, it’s really no big deal. I can find another ride home or wait for my mom to finish teaching her last class.” Delilah speaks and Olivia looks at her watch, slightly cringing. “It ends at five.” Three hours from now.
“Delilah, really, I’m fine.” Olivia giggles, trying to assure her friend by taking on a light, airy tone. “Go knock their socks off.” A genuine smile touches her lips. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
With a few more words from Delilah, and a few more reassurances from Olivia, the two say their goodbyes and hang up. Olivia shoves her phone back into her pocket, letting out a small sigh.
“Everything okay?” I ask.
“Oh, yeah.” Olivia waves her hand dismissively. “Dee was just calling to tell me she can’t drive me home today. Apparently word just spread that the president of the debate club is stepping down and the officers are having an impromptu meeting to select a new one. It’s been Dee’s dream since we started college to get that position.”
“So you don’t have a ride home?” I ask.
Over the past week I’ve gathered that she rides home with Delilah, since her house is on the way to Delilah’s apartment.
She shrugs. “My mom gets off at five. I’ll wait for her to pick me up.”
I frown. “That’s three hours from now.”
“I can just sit in the library. I’ve got some homework to do anyway.”
“It’s the second week of classes. You don’t have that much homework,” I point out. “I’ll drive you home.”
Her eyes widen in surprise at my offer. “Bronx, you don’t have to do that. Really, I have no problem waiting in the library.”
“And I have no problem giving you a ride home,” I state. “Coach canceled today’s practice to give us a break after this weekend, so I have nothing better to do. Plus, maybe I could get that lab manual from you for Willford’s class.”
“Oh shoot,” she mumbles. “Sorry, I totally forgot about that. Yeah, I can give it to you.” She worries her lip, looking hesitant. “Are you sure you want to drive me home?”
“It would be my pleasure,” I say, a feeling of excitement surprisingly bubbling up in my chest. “I just have to grab my keys, and we can get going.”
Olivia and I walk across campus to my dorm room, and I unlock the door, mentally cursing myself for not making my bed. Then there are a few items of clothing scattered on the floor, most of them Chase’s. Our room isn’t a complete wreck, but it’s not tidy either.
Speaking of Chase, he’s lying on his bed shirtless, one hand behind his head while the other hand is holding the remote, pointing it at the TV to flip through channels.
“Shit, sorry, it’s a mess in here,” I apologize to Olivia, suddenly feeling a rush of embarrassment at having her see my room and roommate like this.
