Page 10 of Still Here Without You

“You’re right. Your cellmate sounds like a bitch.”

Delilah smiles big before clearing her throat. “Well, I’m team Dylan,” she jokes. At least, I think she’s joking. She said it with such a straight face, I’m not so sure. I narrow my eyes at her, staring her down until she caves. “Okay, okay.” She laughs. “If there was a battle between the two of you, I’d choose you. Actually, that’s a total lie. I’d definitely choose Dylan.”

“Alright, brat. And how are you going to pass your class again?”

Delilah laughs, and I have to admit I’m enjoying the banter between us, so when the alarm goes off on my phone, I silence it, happy to have company since I’m stuck here for God knows how long. Delilah notices the gesture, raising her eyebrows in question.

“I’m feeling generous. Don’t worry, I won’t charge you extra.”

“Good to know. But I should really get going. I’m not sure how much more I can take on this subject.”

“Do you want to just stay for a drink then?”Huh?When did I go from not wanting her here to trying to keep her longer?

“Okay, sure. I could use a drink.” She nods.

“Great! We’ve got beer, cider, or soda. I think all contain carbs, though. Is that going to be a problem?”

“You're such an ass. But yes, it is a problem. I don’t do carbs. I don’t eat sugar at all. In fact, I’m on a plant-based diet. Nothing artificial. So I’ll just take some water.”

Holy shit! Now, I feel a little bad for joking. What an existence that would be. I find myself staring at Delilah in shock, unable to form the right words to say to that, until she cracks up laughing.

“Your face…” She laughs some more. “I’m not even sorry I made you feel bad.” More laughter. “I work my ass off in the gym so I can eat whatever I want. Mostly. See these abs…” she says, lifting her top to reveal a tight, flat stomach. I can see the hint of muscle, but it’s not too much to be distracting. She lowers her top again way too quickly, causing me to frown involuntarily. Catching my reaction, Delilah frowns before giving me a puzzled expression. I laugh and decide to come clean.

“I was quite enjoying the view before you covered up.”

She laughs out loud, but her chest colors a beautiful shade of pink. “Commit it to memory. You’re never getting another look.”

“That’s a shame. Seems too good to hide away. You know, with all the hard work you’ve put in. Shall we go for a swim?”

“You have a pool?”

“No, but we have a bath.”

Delilah rolls her eyes as always, grabbing a cider from the counter and popping the top. “Commit this to memory too…I will never be getting in a bath with you.”

Oh, she did not just say that. It’s clear she doesn’t know me after all. “Challenge accepted.”

As soon as Delilah finishes her drink, she starts packing up her things. “Thanks for the beverage, but I’m off.” She must have ordered an Uber while I wasn’t looking.

Getting up off the stool, I follow her to the door and walk her out. “Thank you for coming by. I’m sorry we had to move locations.”

“Don’t sweat it. It’s good to see you don’t really live how I pictured.”

Now this I’ve got to hear. I never know what’s going to come out of her mouth, and I love that. “And howdidyou picture my living arrangements?”

“Pure bachelor pad. Two hot guys living together, off campus—It’s got playboy written all over it. Although, I now know that Dylan’s not like that. The jury’s still out on you.” There’s a lot to process from that statement. She thinks I’m hot for one. And a player. Not sure how I give off that vibe.

“Oh, I’m one hundred percent playboy,” I lie. “You should see my bedroom. Mirror on the ceiling, silk sheets, mood lighting.”

Delilah snorts. “I never thought you were a porn star. Just that you got around.”

“Oops, guess I revealed too much.” I fake a grimace just as a car pulls up. I’m not sure if I should correct her assumption. I’m definitely not that guy at all. But then why do I care what she thinks?

Delilah gently pushes my chest. “I’m going.”

I raise an eyebrow and bite back a smile. “So you keep saying.”

“I’ll see you at the next session.” She holds back an eye roll but I can sense it.

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