Page 83 of I Blame the Alcohol

“Huh?”

Stella laughs, a small sound that lacks any sense of humour, “We're going to have to do this for the next three years. Until you run out of eligibility to play lacrosse. And by then, we should both be graduated.”

I frown, pausing outside my classroom door. The lecture is already underway, but this conversation is more important.

“Don’t do that.”

“Do what?”

“Make it sound like we’re not worth it.”

Stella sighs, “It’s just a lot to think about.”

Leaning against the nearby wall, I exhale, wishing the answers were closer than they are right now.

“You know, a girl once told me you can’t look at relationships with a rational point of view. We’re always going to be too busy or too complicated unless you’re willing to fight for it.”

“She sounds like a smart one, that girl.” I can hear the smile in Stella’s voice.

“She’s brilliant. And sexy as hell.”

“Oh? Please, go on.”

I chuckle, “There aren’t enough words in this world to describe you, Stel. You are wonderful. You are kind. You are mine.”

“And now he rhymes.” Stella laughs, “I love you, Ellsworth.”

“I love you too, O’Brien.”

The words come out as easy as breathing, a truth that has always been known but just now spoken out loud.

Stella sighs, “I should let you get to class. Text me later, okay?”

“Always.” I clear my throat before continuing, “And hey, we're going to figure this out. It’s stressing me as well, but as long as we stay strong and stay together, it's all going to work out.”

“I believe you. Now, run along before you get detention.”

I laugh and hang up the phone, pushing through the door and snagging an open seat at the back. The professor gives me a nod of acknowledgement, but no one else spares me a second glance.

There’s only one grinning fool in the back who realizes at least one person in this room is completely and madly in love.

Stella

Lou takes pity on me the next morning.

“Okay, I’ll workout with you.” My sullen mood skyrockets, the beaming smile spreading across my face making her own scrunch up in a grimace.

“But,” Lou holds up a hand, “No burpees. Or anything else that might make me puke.”

“Deal.” We shake on it, and I practically skip all the way back to our dorm to get ready. I’ve been in a bit of a funk not seeing Cody all week, but I’ve been doing my best not to let it show.

Obviously my efforts didn’t pay off.

“I don’t have to change, do I?” Lou tugs self-consciously at the oversized concert t-shirt tucked into her mom jeans. The fact she was thinking of wearing jeans to the gym tells you everything there is to know about Lou’s exercise regime.

“I’m choosing not to answer that. Here, I’ve got you covered.” I dash to my closet and return with an adorable gym outfit in my hands.

Lou takes the offering with a frown, “Why would you buy workout gear for me? You know I’ve never stepped foot in Taber’s gym.”

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