Page 78 of Undressed In The Crease

I’m not avoiding her. I’m just focusing on my game.

“Relax.” Bridget taps my shoulder with her pen. “She didn’t say anything. I just know my friend and something is bothering her.”

Is that why Bridget sat next to me?

Because she’s worried about Lenny?

Before I can get any clarification on that, the professor walks in and immediately starts his lecture.

What could be bothering her? We didn’t end on a bad note.

At least, I didn’t think so.

Wednesday night is gyro night in the dining hall.

I know I can find Lenny there, but Greg is making me go out to dinner with him tonight. Something about a guy's night out.

I want to find Lenny, but I also want to avoid anyone else that could be in the dining hall so I agree to go and change up my routine.

I text her while Greg drives us to the bar and restaurant outside of town. The Ale House always has the games on and the food is good. Plus, their craft beer selection is the best.

It’s where most of the school hangs out, but it also fills up with locals. During the week, there are not as many students there. Which is lucky for me.

I need to avoid other students as much as possible. And it’s early enough that most of the student body is still in class. Perfect.

Me:Hey, how’s the gyros today?

Lame. I’m lame. I couldn’t think of a better opener. I really have no game when it comes to her. But I don’t need it. We’re friends.

Lenny:Hi. I tried to get one for lunch, but they were out of chicken.

Me:Lunch? Instead of dinner? Are you avoiding seeing me?

Lenny:No, I have plans. Is the dining hall on Wednesday night our special place now? I wasn’t aware of that.

Me:It is.

Me:What plans do you have? A date?

Lenny:Why do you assume it’s a date? Jealous?

Fuck yes, I’m jealous.

When did that happen?

What other dinner plans could she possibly have?

I can’t tell her I’m jealous. I shouldn’t be jealous. I have no right to be.

We’re just friends.

Me:Just curious.

Lenny:Well then, yes, I do have a date tonight. On my way now, wish me luck!

Greg speaks to the hostess, requesting a high top table around the bar with views of the different TVs. Most have different hockey games on.

The main one has the baseball playoff game. I don’t care much for baseball. But Greg loves it. Apparently, Layla does too. He hasn’t stopped talking about her the entire way.

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