Page 500 of Fake Marriage Box Set

“Looks like it’s going to rain,” he said, as we got in line. “Do you also sit outside to drink coffee in the rain?”

I knew he was joking. “Nope, I only dance in the rain. You want me to find us a table inside?”

He nodded. “Sure, I’ll grab the coffees and find you.”

I left in search of the perfect table that would provide us with some privacy. This was a big student hang out, and the last thing I wanted to do was get any rumors started. I found one tucked away in a corner behind a garbage can and quickly claimed it.

“There you are,” he said, handing me my coffee. “I thought maybe you changed your mind and left.”

I laughed. “No, but I figured it would probably be better if we didn’t advertise our friendship in the student cafeteria.”

He nodded. “Good thinking. How’ve you been, Tessa?” he asked it in a way that made me feel all warm and gooey inside.

I nodded. “Good.” That’s what you’re supposed to say, right? I couldn’t very well tell him that he’d been a cold fish for three weeks and I was stressed out about classes and his workload.

He took a sip of his coffee, and I find myself watching his mouth—his lips, really.

“What are your plans for the weekend?” he asked, drawing my eyes back to his own.

I sighed. “I’m going home for a few days. You?”

He rolled his eyes. “My brother is dragging me to a barbecue with a bunch of our old friends.”

I had to chuckle, he said dragged, but I could tell by the way his eyes lit up that he was actually excited to be going. I couldn’t resist teasing him a bit.

“That sounds dreadful. Will there be food and beer and all that other horrible stuff one finds at a barbecue?”

He laughed. “Actually, yes. And the food will be prepared by a professional chef, so you can imagine how bad it will be.”

“That does sound bad. Whatever you do, don’t let them force you to take home any leftovers,” I said in a hushed tone.

Another laugh and I found myself actually having a good time. Why can’t he be like this all the time? I like this guy. Ian is fun. Professor Dunlap is a bit of a dick.

“Class seems to be going well, don’t you think?” he asked, steering the conversation back to the professional side of things.

I nodded. “Yes, I think the students are trusting you more. It’s going very well. Don’t worry, you’re doing fine,” I assured him.

“Thank you. Some days I feel like I’m talking to the wall,” he replied.

We talked about the upcoming trip down to one of the beaches and what he hoped to accomplish. I checked the time and realized I had to get going.

“Thanks for the coffee,” I told him, standing and preparing to leave. He reached out and grabbed my hand, taking me by surprise. I questioned him with my eyes.

“I’m sorry,” he says.

Nothing more. I had no idea what he was apologizing for and didn’t have a lot of time to get into a conversation about it.

“Okay,” I said, pulling my hand away. “I’ll see you tomorrow. I really need to get home and get some stuff done before my roommate kicks me out.”

He gazed at me for a long second before looking away. I hurried out the door and made my way to my car. I needed to study for a test and make a real dinner. It was my night. Maria would be late, and I owed it to her. She had been taking care of me for way too long.

As I went about making dinner, I couldn’t help but think back to Ian and what he had said. What was he apologizing for? He had seemed very sincere, and I believed him. I just didn’t know what exactly he meant.

Chapter Thirteen

Ian

It’s a marathon, not a sprint, they say. I had to constantly remind myself of this. I can get through these last three classes. Three classes and I get to try my hand at this whole socializing thing. I was nervous and excited at the same time. I was anxious to hang out with people my own age, who had careers and understood some of what I went through on a daily basis. Hanging out with teenagers and those who were barely legal to drink day after day made one feel really old.

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