Page 20 of When You Smile

“Maybe.” Charlie studied her, her big blue eyes searching. Taryn liked being studied by Charlie. A lot. “But I kind of prefer the soft edge.”

“And soft coffee.” The lighthearted comment was her way of remaining a normal, functioning human, deflecting from the things a simple gaze from Charlie did to her. Too late. Her hands itched and her cheeks flamed.

Charlie glanced down at the cup in her hands and rolled her eyes. “You’re not going to let this die, are you?”

“Probably not. No.” Taryn shook her head and then tossed in a grin. “Just playing, though.”

“You’re going to keep me on my toes, Taryn.”

The sentence indicated they’d be hanging out more. She refrained from her happy dance. There was always later. “Can I say something?”

“Always.”

“I don’t know. It’s just nice to have someone who knew me before Hillspoint.” Taryn attempted to find the right way to explain what she meant. “You have to teach everyone about yourself when you come into a new environment. But you know me.”

“Let’s make a deal,” Charlie replied immediately.

“A bargain?”

“Exactly that. Let’s check in on each other. You can keep me young and cool and on my toes, and I’ll be that tether to home. Your safe place to fall if you have a rough day. Or the person you call in the case of unfortunate inebriation.” She offered a playful wink.

“I like where you’re going. And how do we do that?” Taryn had plenty of ideas that would live in her fantasies but none she’d ever have the courage to voice.

“A regular check-in like this one?”

That didn’t sound bad at all. In fact, it delivered Taryn a burst of happiness and warmth in her chest, imagining getting to see Charlie on a regular basis. “I’d love that, actually. I could really use it.”

“Then let’s do it.” An idea seemed to pop into Charlie’s head. “Come to my place next week, and I’ll make you dinner. I know you don’t get anything home-cooked when you’re living on campus.”

“You have no idea how awesome that would be.”

“Then we’re definitely doing it. Thursday again?”

“Yeah. I’m free Thursday night.”

“How do you feel about savory chicken and pasta? Maybe a linguini.”

Taryn’s response was delayed because she was picturing Charlie in a sexy apron tasting the sauce like a pro. “I feel like Thursday is so far away.”

That pulled a laugh. The sound was brief but Taryn let herself enjoy its melody, feminine and authentic. She wanted to hear more of it and be the root cause. She vowed then and there to make it happen. A new goal, rising easily to the top of her others.

Today had been a good day. She’d scored an A-minus on her digital media exam, sat on the curb with Caz and watched in fascination as the sorority pledges avoided the grass they weren’t permitted to walk on, scored some amazing shots of the window washers scaling her residence hall, but the best of all? This coffee date with Charlie.

Taryn couldn’t stop smiling as she strolled across campus, hands shoved into the pockets of her black leather jacket. Theirs was easily the best conversation she’d had since arriving on campus. Charlie was still Charlie, and when she directed her attention to Taryn, it felt like the sun was shining on Taryn’s face. She was loud and cheerful when she arrived back to the dorm, rifling through the mini fridge and commenting on every potential snack item.

“I do love a good string-cheese stick. But I could also go for a little chocolate milk and a cookie. Pickles offer a nice crunch.”

Taryn caught Caz watching her from the doorway to her bedroom. She wore pink socks up to her knees. “Why are you smiling at the food? Did you take something? I told you I wanted to be there when you get high for the first time.”

“I’m entirely sober. I just happen to be in a good mood. And hungry.”

Caz pointed at her, arm outstretched. “Yeah, but you never glow. You’re the chill one who’s affected by very little. There are tiny beams of light literally shooting off you.”

Taryn popped a La Croix and took a couple of sips. “You just think things don’t affect me. I’m secretly freaking out about fifty-four percent of the time.”

“But not today. You’re broadcasting jubilation.” Caz straightened. “Do you like my eyeliner? I’m trying something.”

Taryn squinted. “It’s got a purple hue.”

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