Page 59 of The Perfect Love

“You might be right about that.” I sling my bag over my shoulder. “But who says boring is a bad thing?”

I smile at his perturbed look and wave as I leave.

The second I’m out the door, I put in my wireless earbuds and start up the audio of the book Trevor and I have been reading. We went for the fairytale retelling first, and even though it’s only been a few days and we’ve both been busy, we’re making progress. I like it because it gives us a reason to text without feeling like it’s too much too soon.

The connection between us has been intense from the start, but that’s a big reason I want to take things slow. My past aside, I don’t want to rush into this. I want to let it build slowly—both so I can get comfortable in it and so we build a strong foundation. Chemistry and connection are amazing, but they aren’t what make relationships last. We’ve had mini-dates at lunch each day this week to get to know each other better, and then we’ll have another actual date on Saturday—one I’m planning. I know nothing will compare to the all day first date, but I’m still excited to do something special for Trevor after how thoughtful he was planning it.

My morning goes by quickly. It’s nice because I have a class with Rae and another with Mackenzie. I didn’t think about how much better classes are with built-in friends, but I’m glad I have people I know with me. It’s helping me feel more settled here. Though, if I’m honest, from the beginning, I’ve felt more settledhere than I ever did in Syracuse. Going there made me feel special because it was a big D1 school with a sports team who wanted me, but I never fit in there. I stayed busy, hung out with people, and went to parties because they made me feel like I fit when I didn’t.

Here it’s easy.

Maybe that’s why it’s easier for me to feel like myself.

“Hutchins Hall,” Trevor says, holding the door open for me. There are four dining halls, three cafés, and one sandwich shop on campus. We’re trying them all to see which is best. This will be our fourth one this week.

As we make our way to the dining area of Hutchins Hall, I’m surprised to find it’s open and well-lit with a wall of glass doors leading to a courtyard.

“Based on aesthetics, this one is already my favorite.”

“Yeah, it’s nice. Want to eat outside?”

“Sounds good.”

We both grab food—a steak burrito bowl for Trevor and broccoli cheddar soup with fresh bread and a chicken Caesar salad for me—then find a table outside. The gorgeous late summer weather makes me want to skip classes the rest of the day. Seventy-five and sunny with the lake breeze is the best weather ever.

“How’s your day been?” Trevor asks.

“Good. I think I’m… happy.”

He laughs. “You sound so unsure.”

“I’m not. I’m surprised, I guess. I wasn’t sure I’d behappyhere. Or at least not this soon. I figured I’d be indifferent for a while until I got used to it.”

He gets a big, cheesy grin on his face. “It’s because of me, right? I get it. I totally make your days better.”

I snort and roll my eyes. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re incredibly humble?”

He pretends to think about it. “Nope.”

“There’s a reason for that.”

He clutches a hand to his chest. “Always trying to hurt me with your words. I’m starting to think you don’t like me at all.”

Even though the massive pout he gives me is pretend, I can’t help but want to fix it.

I kiss his nose. “Yep. Totally hate you.”

He laughs and runs a hand down my back, playing with my hair.

I smile to myself because it seems almost involuntary. I love that he does it, so I don’t pick on him about it—I’m worried he’d stop or think it was too much for me. Instead, I enjoy the sensation and lean into the touch.

“How’s your day been?”

He nods. “Fine. Classes bore the shit out of me, but I’m told I still have to go to them. Lame, if you ask me.”

“The worst.”

“Our lunch dates are a bright spot in my day.”

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