Page 18 of Dryad, Try Again
I gulp. “It’s not what you think. He knows my major. I’m struggling.”
“Ah, well. I don’t know if I’d be able to concentrate with a hottie monster like him in the room.”
“Huh…what?” I’m sure my cheeks are almost as red as my face.
“You two were sitting very close at the bonfire. Before he freaked out.” She plays with her pasta. “Not sure if you’re gay, or bi, or questioning…”
I scratch my neck. “That’s kind of personal.”
Her smile drops. “My bad.”
I don’t like seeing Shonda so uncomfortable, so I decide to lay it all out there. “For the record, yes, I’m gay. And allegedly so is Kovi. But he and I are…he’s…there’s history there,” I stammer. “Plus, I’m crazy busy trying to hold down my studies.”
Shonda nods and smiles. “Same. Here’s hoping we can learn about monsters together.”
“Right.”
“To human friends?” She raises her drink and looks at me expectantly. Her brown eyes seem pleasant enough, and it’s a relief to know other humans are in the same boat as me.
“To human friends.” I smile and tap my paper cup to hers.
We finish our meals in comfortable silence. After a minute, Shonda speaks up again. “I’m sure Kovi will find some other monster to date in no time.”
As we go to throw out our trash, my mouth goes dry. The idea of Kovi cuddling up to anyone, monster or human, makes my gut churn.
“Uh, I think he’s busy too.”
“I’ll bet he is.” Her tone seems insinuating as we walk to the dorms. She studies me then points her thumb backward. “This is my hall. Let me know if you want to do this again after class some time.”
“For sure,” I reply. Shonda seems chill, and I could really use someone to talk to who isn’t linked to Kovi. “Um…” I scratch my ear and look away. The truth threatens to spill off my tongue. “Even if I was available, Kovi probably wouldn’t be interested in a human like me. Unless…you think he would?”
She snorts. “He flirted with you at the bonfire then ran away from you. I think ‘interest’ is very much on the table.” My cheeks warm up again, and she walks backward. “Later, Tanner. I expect a full gossip report in the coming weeks.”
I chuckle. “Aye aye, boss lady. Goodnight.” With that, I bid her farewell. My first human friend at CU, and she seems to think Kovi might like me. Why does that very thought make my chest feel light?
The followingmorning I’m working my usual shift at Mummy Mocha. Seth has been teaching me so much, and I think I’m getting the hang of things. I haven’t had any complaints about my drinks, and I’m meeting the various monster students and faculty. My tuition is paid for, and I get tips to send home to Aunt Hannah?what a sweet deal!
I should be thrilled, but right now, as I lean on the service counter, I’m anything but happy. There’s a midmorning lull in customers, which gives me some time to think about my grades, or lack thereof. The paper in my hand makes me frown.
“Hey, Tanner.” Kovi’s voice pulls me out of my slump. He’s standing before me in a green plaid button-down and those jeans that look sinfully tight. I stand up straight as my cock stirs?as usual, he’s eye candy and a sight for sore eyes. I try to force my smile, but I must fail, because he frowns. “What’s wrong?”
“Um, nothing.”
His eyes dart to my sheet, but I don’t have the energy to hide it from him. Why does this ridiculously attractive guy appear whenever I have academic troubles? And why is he so helpful? We haven’t had another study session, but keeping my space from Kovi only makes me crave him more.
“Is that an environmental sci quiz?”
I sigh. “Mock quiz. The real deal is next Monday.” I wave the paper at him. “But clearly I’m still shit at it.”
“Tanner,” he says softly.
“This quiz is a quarter of my grade!” I cringe then look down at my sheet. “What am I gonna do?”
“I can help.”
I shake my head. “I can’t keep taking up your time.”
“You’re not. After all, what are friends for?”
