Drew
Abby’s stubborn.But she’s also tenacious. She remembers facts and numbers like nobody I’ve ever met. It’s almost as if she has a photographic memory. I can only wish my mind worked as well as hers. For the most part, Abby sticks to business, and I get little in terms of reading her personality beyond having an amazing work ethic.
As I contemplate our conversation in class, I can’t help but smile. It took me a while to explain that I play basketball, and since we won the championship game last season, my popularity’s skyrocketed. I can’t be a random guy on campus anymore. Her feisty attitude and unwillingness to take my shit is quite intriguing. I couldn’t help but laugh when she asked, “How do you expect to blend in as a giant?”
I’ve been a starter here at Columbia River University since freshman year. I didn’t redshirt because I don’t intend to play in the NBA. I’m here to get my degree. However, the fame that comes with winning is a double-edged sword. It opens doors for me, but being unable to be a regular guy on campus is unnerving.
I don’t usually date during the season to avoid distractions. The number of trolls who venture into the arena to simply chase jerseys is unbelievable. I distance myself from the social side of being a college athlete by keeping my head in the game and focusing on my studies. Besides, this keeps the girls away who aren’t interested in getting to know therealDrew Jacobs.
When there’s a knock at my door, promptly at seven, I rush to greet Abby. I’m blown away by how different she looks. Standing before me is a beautiful girl with long, wavy, brown hair and brown eyes I can see. She’s wearing a fitted blue sweater that accentuates her curves and a faded pair of denim jeans that are worn in just the right places. The only resemblance to my nerdy lab partner is her Chuck Taylors.
“Abby?” I state, but it comes out like a question.So much for not being a distraction. I’m so fucking screwed.Of course, my cock chooses this moment to spring to attention. I’ve never been more thankful for wearing jeans, as my basketball shorts leave little to the imagination.
“Drew?” She stares for a moment. “Planning on letting me in?”
“Um… sure.” I step aside as I swing the door open wide to let her pass. I point to the couch where I’ve set up my homework and gesture for her to take a seat. As she walks by, the scent of her coconut shampoo and something that’s entirely her has my senses on overload. Unfortunately, this also leaves me having to inconspicuously adjust myself before I make it to the couch beside her.
She catches me staring and self-consciously pats down her hair as she asks, “What?”
“It’s just… you look… nice tonight. Special occasion?”
“Oh,” she groans, catching me off guard. “It’s my twenty-first birthday, and my friendsinsiston going out.” She rolls her eyes and shrugs as if it’s not a big deal. Interesting.
“Why the hell did you agree to study on your birthday?” I ask in disbelief.
She shrugs… again. “I take my classes seriously. Besides, you said this was the only time you’re available.”
Holy shit. I’m an ass. I hadn’t given her a choice when I suggested the time, I threw one out there, and she agreed. I have to rectify this. I can’t force her to study tonight of all nights. We only get so many birthdays, and I’m not about to ruin one of hers.
I may be hardcore when it comes to staying focused for school, but I’m not a complete monster. “Are you busy tomorrow night?”
“I work in the early evening. Why?” she asks speculatively, apprehension clearly written across her features.
Realizing she’ll be drinking later, another thought hits me, and I blurt out, “Have you eaten?” With as serious as she is, I’d almost bet my favorite pair of sneakers that she hasn’t had much experience with alcohol. She needs to eat a decent meal.
“Not yet. I’m picking something up after we finish our assignment.” She sets her backpack down next to the coffee table and sits on the couch next to where I’ve laid out my things.
“Don’t unpack,” I say as I pick up my notebooks and books. There’s no way I’m making her stick to our plans. I know firsthand just how short life can be.
“Drew? What’s going on?” She looks at me as if I’ve lost my mind.Hell, maybe I have.But I’m not a complete selfish asshat, and I won’t ruin her birthday.
“Can we study tomorrow night?” I ask, giving her an option this time.
“That shouldn’t be a problem. But what are you doing?” A perfectly arched eyebrow cocks over her beautiful golden-brown eyes.How had I not noticed them earlier?I draw in a deep breath and steady my thoughts.
“I’m taking you to dinner. Since it’s your twenty-first birthday, there’s no way I’m forcing you to study, let alone go out without a proper meal.” Thinking about my twenty-one-run, I add, “You need food and lots of it.”
“Why?” she almost stutters. “Why would you do this?”
“Well…”Why am I doing this?“Birthdays are important. You’re only given so many, so you have to make them count.”
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4
Abby
I watchin disbelief as Drew gathers his things like his ass is on fire and takes them into what I assume is a bedroom. When he returns a few minutes later, he’s wearing a nice black sweater, dressier jeans, and dress shoes. Compared to the faded jeans and t-shirt he was wearing when I arrived, I can’t help but appreciate his effort. He grabs his wallet, keys from his kitchen counter, and stops to ask, “Are you ready?”
