Page 16 of Drew
Knowing that the crowds are thinning out at this time of day, I make a split-second decision to break my typical rule about eating on campus. Hoping people will mind their own business, I reply with, “Sure. I’m short on time, too.”
As we make our way to the center of campus, Abby suggests, “Thai sound good?”
Placing my thumb on my chin, I mull over the possibilities of healthy menu choices. “Sure. Thai works,” and we turn toward the Student Union Building.
Abby may be a full head shorter, but damn, the girl can eat up the pavement as she walks across campus.Is she a professional speed walker?Leaving no opportunities for talking, I quicken my pace, and we’re at the restaurant in no time. Thankfully, there’s no wait, and the waitress seats us right away. She quickly takes our order, after bringing glasses of water to drink.
As soon as the waitress leaves, Abby takes a long drink of her water. As I watch, it dawns on me, she’s not making eye contact. She’s looking anywhere but at me.What the hell? Is something wrong with me?
I clear my throat to get her attention. When her golden-brown eyes land on mine, she slowly places her glass down and lets her forearms rest on the table. I wouldn’t say she’s at ease; something still seems off. Through her large-rimmed glasses, her eyes look into mine as if she’s searching for answers.
“Everything okay?” Even though I just cleared my throat, it comes out raspy.
“Why wouldn’t it be?” Abby’s chin pulls back defensively.
“I don’t know… you just seem off,” I suggest as I look her over with care.
Abby’s eyes shoot to the ceiling, and her cheeks darken as she pulls her bottom lip into her mouth to chew on it. What the hell is going on?Is she embarrassed?She’s hardly said a word since we left class. Instead of asking one of the thousands of questions flying through my mind, I lean back in my seat and attempt to be patient as I await her answer.
She nervously brushes back a strand of hair behind her ear as she shrugs. “I don’t know… I guess I’m trying to figure out why I’m here.”
“You’re hungry?” I flippantly state, though it comes out as a question.
She lets out a loud huff. “That’s not what I meant.”
“Whatdidyou mean?” I pointedly ask. Because I don’t have a clue. We’re usually pretty at ease with one another, and her behavior makes no sense.
As if she’s suddenly in the hot seat, Abby fidgets before looking me in the eye again. If I weren’t trying to figure out what was wrong, she’d almost be adorable. Each new train of thought brings an entirely different expression. I can’t help the smile that forms on my face as I await her response. Abby’s not usually so indecisive.
“I guess…” She pauses as if she’s holding onto her thought by pressing her forefinger to her chin. “I’m wondering what this means.”
I raise an eyebrow in her direction. “We’re eating,” I deadpan.
She rolls her eyes as if I should know better. “What I mean is, what made you ask me to join you?”
“This isn’t rocket science. I was hungry. Thought you might be, too. It’s as simple as that,” I quickly explain, though it should be obvious.
She shakes her head and rolls her eyes as if I’m being dense. “Drew,” she sighs but suddenly shakes her head and changes her tone. “For the last few weeks, other than my birthday, you’ve kept things very business-like when it comes to our time together. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for that. I don’t have time for messing around, either. But what I don’t understand is why you’ve invited me to dinner when we don’t have work to do?”
Whoa? Where is this coming from? Have I been that much of an ass to her? I thought I’d been somewhat personable since we’ve met. “Am I allowed to enjoy your company?”
This earns me a stare. Her mouth drops open, then shuts, then opens once more, but nothing comes out. She’s freaking adorable. Her blush reaches down her neck to the V of her mostly zipped hoodie.
“It’s just dinner, Abby.” Though, as I get to know her more, I can see myself asking to do this again. She’s a bit of a riot to watch as she processes her thoughts, and she certainly keeps me on my toes.
Her cheeks tint a beautiful shade of pink, and she looks to her hands. “I’m such a dork. I… uh… didn’t mean to make this into anything. Forget I said anything,” she tacks on the end, earning a light chuckle from me.
“You have nothing to worry about, Abby. If I’ve given you the impression that I’m a complete douche, sorry. I love the fact that you work just as hard as me and take things seriously.”
“Speaking of working hard… I’ve tried not to ask, but I’m dying to know… which medical schools have you applied to?”
Caught off guard because everyone typically sticks to basketball, I grin at her elephant-like memory. I think I mentioned med school once in her presence, and she never asked about it again. “I’m waiting to hear from Johns Hopkins, University of Colorado, and the University of Pennsylvania.” Abby’s eyes widen as I prattle off my top three schools. I’ve applied to a few others, but if I get into any of these, I’ll jump at the chance. “I want to specialize in pediatric oncology.”
“Is Johns Hopkins your first choice?” she asks, almost in disbelief.
“Um… yeah,” I whisper. I’ve dreamed of going there since Summer was diagnosed. One of her best doctors had graduated from there, and it gave me hope for others. Just the thought of Summer alone makes my heart pang, so I quickly tamp that thought down and focus my attention back to Abby.
“Wow… I can’t believe it,” Abby whispers almost to herself.
