Our first study session went really well—aside from the whole scar situation. I actually ended up learning a lot, Olivia putting concepts in perspective for me by using my own body as an example.
“So are you going to keep the party going?” she asks, stuffing her phone back into her pocket.
I shrug. “Dunno. Why, you got something in mind?” I smile.
She laughs, and just as she’s about to answer, a black Chevy Equinox pulling up to the curb steals her attention. The passenger-side window rolls down and her mom comes into view.
“Hi, Bronx,” she greets me, giving a wave.
I walk Olivia over to her car. “Hi, Mrs. McCausland. How are you?”
“Good. Did you kids have fun? Well, as much fun as you can while studying.”
I chuckle. “Yeah, Olivia’s a great teacher,” I say, shooting Olivia a smile, making her blush.
“Any plans for the weekend?” Mrs. McCausland asks, making small talk.
“Not really, just football.”
“Any big plans for tonight?” Olivia asks.
“Not really, no,” I admit. There’s probably some sort of party going on, but I’ve been there, done that a hundred times.
“Well, if you want, Dad is firing up the grill tonight and there will be more than enough food,” she says, shifting her weight from one foot to the other, appearing nervous.
“Oh, what a wonderful idea!” her mother says, beaming from the car.
“Are you sure?” I ask Olivia.
“Yeah. You must be sick of eating cruddy campus food all the time.”
“You got that right,” I say.
“Perfect! I just have to make a quick grocery run before I go home. I don’t know if you kids want to go with me or . . .” Mrs. McCausland trails off.
“That’s okay,” I say. “I can drive us so you can get your shopping done.”
“Are you sure you don’t mind?” she asks, looking guilty.
“Positive.” I smile.
“We’ll meet you at the house,” Olivia says, waving goodbye to her mother.
When the Equinox pulls away, I lead Olivia across campus to the parking lot, where we hop into Chase’s truck.
>> <<
“I had a lot of fun tonight,” I tell Olivia, leaning against Chase’s truck, which is parked in her driveway. I just got done saying goodbye to her parents after having dinner and watching the game with her dad, and Olivia offered to walk me out. It’s almost ten now and I figure I better get going.
“I’m glad.” She smiles, crossing her arms over her chest to ward off the cool evening breeze. “And it’s nice seeing my dad talk to an actual person instead of the TV while watching a game.” She giggles.
“You still haven’t learned much about football, have you?”
She gives me a sheepish look.
“Finch, Finch, Finch.” Itsk, shaking my head. It’s then I come up with an idea. “Come to my game tomorrow,” I say.
She looks at me hesitantly. “I don’t know . . . maybe.”
