“So you’re Elsa?”
I groan. “My little cousin made me watch that movie a hundred times when it came out.”
“How old was she?”
“Four. I was her babysitter one summer.”
“You don’t train in the summers?”
“We have downtime during the summer, but we basically all work out even during the off season.”
“Then how did you babysit?”
“I woke up at four to get my workout in and took care of her the rest of the day.”
“That was sweet of you.”
I shrug. “It’s what family does. Annie is a cute kid and she likes my cooking, so we’re bros for life.”
“You can’t cook.”
“Exactly. That’s why we’re bros for life.”
She laughs. “My brother is like that. He and I looked after the neighbor kids during the summer when their mom had to work and she couldn’t afford a sitter. I was on duty while he was at football practice and he took over when I went to work.”
“He a big college football star now?”
“No. He joined the Navy right out of high school. He’s overseas. I don’t know where, but he calls me when he can.”
“That has to suck not knowing where he is.”
“All the time, but he feels like he’s doing important work and I won’t let my fear hold him back.”
“It’s a good outlook to have even if it sucks ass.”
She nods and comes to a stop. “This is me. Your class near here?”
“Ah, no. It’s on the other side of campus.”
“What?” she shrieks, not caring that dozens of people turn to look at us. “Why didn’t you tell me that?”
“Because I wanted to walk you to class. I can be late. My professor doesn’t pay attention to who comes in at what time.”
That’s not necessarily true. If she sees me come in late, I’ll get the riot act, but if she doesn’t, then I’m kosher.
“That’s not the point,” she says hotly.
I arch a brow. “You would rather I didn’t walk you to class?”
“Yes if you’re going to get into trouble!”
She’s cute.
I reach out and tweak her nose. “I’m not going to get in trouble unless you keep yelling at me. The faster I can sprint across campus, the least likely I’ll get in trouble.”
Mortified, she gasps and takes a step back. “Go!”
Laughing, I turn and sprit across campus, feeling lighter than I have in a very long time.
