“It was worth the wait,” I tell her, smiling back.
36
Mel
It’s one of those days when nothing is going right. I forgot I had a test in my civics class today, but I muddled through and I’m pretty sure I did okay. Not as well as if I’d remembered to study, but well enough. I hope.
Then the hot water heater went out at the senior center. It had nothing to do with me, of course, and it wasn’t my problem, but it caused a chain reaction of issues that I tried mightily to solve. By the time I left, everything was fine, and I hope it stays that way.
Now I’m at Drip, waiting on Will. We’re heading to the mall so I can find a dress for the charity event that’s coming up. He should be here any minute, so I’m just scrolling on my phone, passing the time, when a text comes through.
It’s from Chaz.
Ugh.
I should ignore it, but he’ll just keep pestering me, so I type back a quick response.
Mel:Please stop messaging me.
Chaz:I know, I won’t bug you again. There’s just one thing I want to talk to you about. Tell me you have five minutes to meet for coffee? I can be at Drip in ten if you’re on campus and want to meet up?
It’s crazy, but I look around the coffee shop. He’s nowhere, of course, but his message still creeps me the hell out.
Mel: I can’t. I have plans today. And every day.
Chaz:With the freshman? Come on, Melanie. Do you really expect me to believe you’re dating him? He seems like a nice enough kid, but that’s all he is—a kid. He’s not mature enough for you.
Mel:I don’t care what you believe. Will and I are together. You and I are not. Now, please lose this number.
Disgusted and annoyed, I switch off my phone. What the hell is he still doing messaging me? And it bothers me more than I care to admit that Chaz thinks I’m faking it with Will. I mean, technically, I am. But it doesn’t feel fake. And that’s a problem for a lot of reasons, but each of them flies out the window when the bell over the door jingles and Will walks into Drip.
He strides over to my table and gives me a kiss. “You ready?” he asks.
“So ready,” I say honestly. “I love dress shopping. And you know the best part?”
“Getting fries at the food court?” he asks.
“Nope,” I say, shaking my head. “The dressing rooms have mirrors. And doors that lock.”
Will stops for a minute, and I can almost see his brain processing my words.
“Damn. That’s even better than fries.”
And it is. It really is.
Chapter 36 Will
Dating is hard. Ok, it’s also awesome. The issue is maybe that it’s going too well? Because the feelings I’m having for Mel are real. She’s not a coach or a tutor, or even a friend. She’s everything I want in a girlfriend, but I don’t know if she feels the same. And I don’t know how to start that conversation, or if I even should. Why mess with a good thing, right?
That’s what I keep telling myself, and yet, I can’t help but feel like I need to show her how much she really means to me. She’s planned everything we’ve done so far, so I’ve decided it’s my turn to plan a date.
It’s a good idea, except I’m clueless.
Which is why I’m googling love languages while we’re in the weight room. I just finished my set, and I’m cooling down while Dean-o starts his bench presses. Van’s his spotter, and Norris is over in the corner with Booker, working on legs, while Santos and Ollie are getting some cardio in on the treadmill.
I take a drink from my water bottle and keep reading. It’s all a little confusing, but I’ve got to make sense of it. I’m apparently pretty wrapped up in what I’m reading because Mikalski walks by and pops the phone out of my hand.
“Hey—” I call, but it’s no use. Ollie’s hopped off the treadmill to read over Mikalski’s shoulder.
