“I’m fine.” She laughs and shakes her head. “I don’t know why I let him get to me.”
“Man troubles?” I ask knowingly. She nods, rolling her eyes.
“He just doesn’t understand. He thinks it’s so fucking easy because he found work right away after college. He doesn’t get that there is nothing here for me. Of course my four-year degree is a waste—we live in the middle of fucking Hicksville.”
“What did you study?” I ask.
“Fashion design,” she says and laughs. “I guess it’s a waste of money and time. The funny thing is, I brought him here so I could tell him something. Northwestern is running a mentorship program and they’ve asked me to be a part of it. I even get to choose my student,” she adds with a smile. “It’s the happiest I’ve felt in months.”
“So go out there and tell him that,” I say. “Don’t let him make you feel less than what you’re worth just because he’s more advanced in his career.”
She nods, determination creeping into her eyes.
“You’re right. I’m being silly.” She wipes her eyes and takes a deep breath before turning back to me. “Thanks. I’m not normally this emotional or this open with random women in the bathroom. Still, thanks for the pep talk.”
“Yeah, well, I’m not normally this friendly,” I joke. She laughs and walks over to the door. “Maybe I’ll see you around.”
“Maybe,” I murmur.
I wait until she’s exited the bathroom before I walk over and turn on the faucet. I stare at my reflection in the mirror as the cool water runs over my hands. She’s absolutely stunning, even more beautiful than she was in the pictures. How can I even begin to compete with that? I don’t stand a chance when it comes to his girlfriend. He chose her for a reason, and I can see exactly why.
r /> This is great. This is really, really great. I’d push me away, too, if I had her at home waiting for me.
Chapter 12
Noah
Just before leaving school for the day, I receive a text from Shannon telling me to meet her at Roberto’s this evening—that she has something she wants to discuss with me. Right from the college, I head to the gym to try to burn off some of the stresses plaguing me lately—more specifically, the tension built up due to Zara’s friendly handshake with my dick. Yep, I’m still thinking about that.
All. The. Fucking. Time.
After my workout, I head home for a quick shower before going to meet Shannon at Roberto’s. Walking into the restaurant, I see it’s rather busy for a weeknight. We’re able to get a booth in the back, which would be a perfect setting for a date, but I’m just not into it. All the miles I ran on the treadmill earlier didn’t do much to take the edge off, and my attention is dwindling the more she talks.
“So, I went by Northwestern earlier today and spoke with one of the department heads of their fashion school. It’s not much, only going to be a few hours a week, but they’ve offered me a position to mentor potential students that want to take some fashion courses before deciding on a major,” Shannon says, eyes beaming with pride.
“Sounds good,” I mumble, shoving a forkful of pasta into my greedy mouth.
“You could be a little more excited for me,” she whines, taking a drink from her glass, never taking her eyes off mine.
“What do you want me to say? Congratulations for getting a job four years after graduating?” I immediately wish I could take that back. My statement was rude and uncalled for. She’s right, I should be happy for her, excited even. It’s not Shannon’s fault I’m wound up tighter than a yo-yo. “I’m sorry, Shan. That was rude,” I say apologetically.
“You’re right, it was rude. I figured after all your subtle little hints about me not pulling my weight, you would be happy I found something in the field I went to school for. I know it’s not much, but shit, Noah, it’s something.”
“Tell me more about it.”
“No, I’m not telling you shit. You’re such a fucking asshole.” Taking a large swallow from her wineglass, she slams it down so hard I’m surprised it doesn’t shatter.
Shannon rises from her seat and throws her napkin onto the table. “I’m going to the ladies’ room.” Without a second glance, she turns her back and rushes off toward the bathrooms.
Sitting in my seat, feeling very much like the jackass I am, I wait for her to return. After about five minutes, I’m worried she’s left, so I set out to check on her. Just outside the restroom, I notice Shannon drying her eyes and taking a few deep breaths. Instead of interrupting a moment that she believes is private, I make my way back to our table and wait for her to return.
Catching the waiter before he makes his way to the kitchen, I ask him to bring out a molten lava cake and our bill. It’s the least I can do for Shannon after ruining her news.
Once she’s back, I reach across the table and take her hands in mine, rubbing gently across the tops of them. “I really am sorry, Shan. It’s been a crazy week and I took out my frustrations on you. Forgive me?” Just then the waiter arrives, setting down the cake in the middle and the check next to my forearm.
Shannon smiles, nods, and wastes no time picking up a fork and slicing into the cake. I slip my credit card into the bill, hand it off to the waiter, and watch Shannon enjoy her little slice of heaven.
At least I did something right.