Out on the Serve (Out in College 7)

“Why not? He’s hot.”

“Huh? Wait. Who are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about Elliot. Your sexy roomie. I met him when Sophie lived with him. In the days before she was friend-zoned.”

I frowned in confusion. “Whoa. Elliot and I aren’t—”

Phoenix held up his hand like a traffic cop. “Listen to your younger and wiser friend. If it feels right, let it happen. Don’t worry about Sophie. She’s your friend, and she wants good things for you. She just goes about life…theatrically. It’s all very simple. You do you. Just remember, if you’re both single, out and proud, and consensual, there’s no reason not to get naked and horizontal. Or vertical.”

“Thanks, but I have no plans to get horizontal with my roommate.”

“But you could if you want.”

“No…because he’s my roommate. And we’re friends. It’s better to keep it that way.”

“Stop telling yourself what you can’t have and remind yourself that you’re worthy and—oh, shoot. Here comes Jacques. Want me to go to Starbucks with you?”

I sighed. “That’s okay. I got this. Thanks.”

Phoenix grinned. “You’re welcome. I’ll have a chamomile tea…please and thank you.”

I flipped him off, pasted a smile on my face, and turned to greet our director.

“Brady, doll, the ice has melted in my mocha. Will you get me another?”

“Sure, Jacques.”

“A large, please and thank you. And perhaps a scone. Or a cupcake. I’ll let you decide.” He gave me one of his signature vacuous half smiles as he slipped a ten-dollar bill into my hand. Then he straightened the red sweater draped around his shoulders and turned to the stage, clapping at the actors like a mother hen. “Places, everyone. Take it from ‘What, are you mad?’ ”

I tucked the money away before heading up the short aisle of the theater to the exit. I pushed open the door, blinking as my eyes adjusted to the flood of sunlight streaming through the generous windows in the lobby. It was a stark contrast after being in the semi-dark theater for so long. I paused on the sidewalk to pull my phone out when it buzzed.

Elliot’s name flashed on the caller ID, and my heart did that funny flip again. But it was more like a triple flip ’cause this was an actual phone call…not a text. Damn, I obviously didn’t quite have this crush thing under control.

“What’s up, El?”

“What time are you done tonight?”

“I think in an hour, but I’m on another coffee run, so I’m not sure. Did you need something?” I asked as casually as possible as I headed down the street.

“It’s okay. I’ll try Colby’s cell again. See ya lat—”

“Hold up. Are you okay?” I nodded my thanks when a burly dude leaving the coffee shop held the door open for me.

“I’m fine, but I’m stuck at the beach. Colby has my car, which means he also has my wallet.”

“You left your wallet in your car?” I asked as I took my place in the short line.

“Yeah,” he sighed. “I think his Pee Wee team had a game today. I don’t know how long he’ll be. No worries, though. I’ll make some calls, or maybe I’ll just start walking.”

“I can pick you up,” I blurted unthinking.

I twisted the impromptu offer in my head as I inched forward in line. Sure, I could leave rehearsal early to help out a friend. Rehearsal was almost over, and nothing crucial was happening tonight anyway.

“Really? That would be awesome. I’m by the pier.”

I hummed as he rattled off his coordinates. “Got it. I have to drop off a couple of drinks first, but I’ll be there after. Want something?”

“A burger.”

“They don’t sell burgers at Starbucks,” I deadpanned.

“What? That’s nuts. Just get here when you can. I’ll buy you a burger. Better yet, I’ll buy you a BLT with avocado.”

I chuckled at the reference to our earlier conversation. It was on the tip of my tongue to tell him I’d just been thinking about it, but I stopped myself and grinned like an idiot instead. “If there’s Dijon involved, it’s a date.”

“A date, eh?” Elliot singsonged mischievously. “Do you put out on the first date?”

Okay. I knew he was toying with me, but over the phone, I could play it any way I wanted.

“Only for Dijon, baby,” I said in a huskier than normal voice. “Later, El.”

I grinned like a fool as I stuffed my phone into my back pocket. My boring afternoon had just taken a turn for the better.

Elliot waved his arms over his head like a castaway on a desert island when I pulled my Honda into the parking lot adjacent to the beach. I stopped at the curb and motioned for him to throw his bag into my trunk. He obeyed, opening the car door with a flourish and flinging himself onto the passenger seat.

“Thank you. This has been the longest day ever. No fucking joke,” he sighed as he yanked the seat belt strap and twisted to fasten it.