Page 111 of One Night

"Sounds good."

She walks past us but then turns back. "You don't normally take the stairs."

How would she know that? Maybe she IS watching us.

"There was a big line at the elevator," Dylan says, "so we decided to take the stairs."

We continue up to the next floor and when we're back in the hallway, Dylan says, "That was close."

"Yeah, too close. I swear she's trying to get us fired."

"Just suck up to her. If we win her over, eventually she'll leave us alone." He smiles. "So can I come over tonight?"

"I have to work on a paper for class."

"Then I'll come over later, whenever you're done."

"Okay." I should've told him no so I can get to bed early, but I couldn't make myself do it. I want to be with Dylan.

***

The next few weeks, Dylan and I spend almost every night together. During the week we both have to do homework or study so it's usually late before he comes over. Weekends we have a little more time together but between studying for finals, all my activities, and his gigs with the band, we don't have as much time as we'd like. I'm hoping that'll change next semester. I'm dropping out of some of my campus clubs so that I'll have time for Dylan but also time to start job hunting. I'll graduate next August, which is still a ways off, but I want to start looking for jobs now to see what's out there.

"You'll call me, right?" Dylan asks as we stand by my car.

Finals are over and it's the first day of winter break. Kira and I are driving home to Michigan together.

"Of course I'll call you." I give him a hug. "I wouldn't go all that time without calling you."

"I meant from the road. I want you to check in so I know you're safe."

"I will. I promise."

"I'll give you your present when you get back."

"What is it?"

"You'll find out later."

I smile. "Now I'm dying to know."

"Then that'll be a reason for you to hurry back."

"I already want to hurry back. I'm going to miss you."

"I'll miss you too. Three weeks seems like forever." He kisses me. "Have a good time. And Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas."

We kiss goodbye until Kira beeps the horn.

"Okay, you guys," she yells from inside the car. "Stop kissing. We have to go."

"I'll see you soon," I say to Dylan.

My heart sinks as I get in the car, knowing I won't see him for weeks.

"You all right?" Kira asks as we're driving away.

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