Almost instantly I get a reply: ‘I can’t do tomorrow, I have a lecture to get to.’
Of course she does! She actually takes this place seriously.
‘Okay then, how about Friday? Does that suit you?’
Everyone leaves the bar, I’m on my own but I don’t care. I might not even bother going into town now, the clubs don’t have the same appeal. I’d rather think about all the things I want to say to Lucie.
‘Friday is good. Midday? Maybe somewhere off campus?’
I already know that suggesting a bar won’t be a good idea, she doesn’t seem into that.
‘The cafe on main street. If you’re lucky I might even treat you to some cake.’
‘How about I treat you?’
I laugh to myself as I see her reply, she really hasn’t ever been interested in me for my money. She’s always paid her equal share even though her family aren’t as wealthy. I almost forgot that people could be that way, it’s been such a long time since anyone paid for me. Too long actually, not that I mind…
‘Sounds good, I’ll see you then!’
I’m looking forward to it, more than I thought I would. It’ll be awesome to reconnect with someone who sees me differently, someone who sees me for the person I am underneath. Maybe it’ll even be good for me.
4
Lucie
I’m going to be hanging out with Kade again, that’s such a strange sentence to think. It’s been such a long time, and I really didn’t think I would ever agree to such madness even if he asked. But he disarmed me, I couldn’t help myself. Yes was the only answer I could think of when he finally said those words.
“What was what about?” Harper gasps as I sit back down. “First, Kade was staring at you, the next he?
?s making a beeline for you, then you’re giving him your number? Are you going to date him?”
“You shouldn’t date him,” Cindy jumps in. “I mean, you know the guy is a massive player, right?”
“I’m not going to date him,” I insist while laughing, maybe a little fakely. “I guess he saw me and he remembered that we used to be friends so he came to speak to me.” The girls both give me a look like they don’t believe me at all, so I know I need to make up a plausible excuse unless I want to spend the rest of the day talking about this. “He wants some help with his college work, that’s all. I guess he’s falling behind.”
“I’m not surprised!” Luckily, Cindy buys this instantly. “He doesn’t seem to ever be in class. But isn’t he rich enough to buy his way through college? That’s why he’s here, isn’t he? It’s all for show, surely.”
I don’t like that attitude, it’s unfair on Kade who’s always had to face it. People judge him purely because his family has money. I know that his ancestors worked hard to make a success of the store. But when I used to stick up for him, he didn’t act like the spoiled rich kid. Unfortunately, now he does so what can I say?
“I don’t know if it works like that.” I decide to be diplomatic. “I think college works… well I don’t know, but I don’t think you can pay for a degree.” Maybe you can, now she’s said it I’m not sure. “Anyway…”
“Oh, my goodness. Everyone I leaving!” Cindy claps her hand to her mouth in shock. “What did you do? Did you tell them to go?” Her eyes have almost popped out of her head. “If you did you’re my newest hero.”
Okay, I’ll it, I can’t resist taking credit for this one! The temptation is too much, even for me.
“Oh, I just told Kade that if I’m going to help him then that means he needs to take me more seriously,” I reply in a breezy tone. “So, him and his friends have to go so we can actually get some work done.”
“Wow, that’s really something. I can’t believe you did that. You’re braver than I am.”
Harper and Cindy watch the parade of people leaving. I try really hard not to, but there’s a magnetic pull from Kade that’s too hard to ignore. He commands my attention, even when I don’t want to give it, which is annoying and pleasurable in equal measures. I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but maybe there might be something real occurring between us. I don’t want to get my hopes up, just to have them dashed again. I don’t think I’m anywhere near strong enough to face that awfulness again. I only just got through it once.
Our eyes connect and I get a bolt in my chest. It’s hard to not fall for him. He has a strong, muscular body, shaggy blond hair, and the warmest brown eyes ever. He also has a cheeky smile that would honestly melt anyone’s heart. Mine transforms into a puddle and I think it always has done. No wonder I’m a mess!
He lifts his thumb up to me, so I return it. I can feel the eyes of my friends piercing through me but at least I’ve given something of an explanation. Now they shouldn’t think it’s too weird that he’s acting like this.
“He wants you,” Harper says decisively. “I think he wants to get you into bed. Are you going to let him?”
A powerful shiver races up and down my spine. I haven’t been with anyone before, I couldn’t imagine anyone better to take my virginity… aside from the fact that he would be my first and I definitely wouldn’t be his. He has a ton of experience, which is a good thing because he knows what to do, but I don’t, and I fear that would come through. It’s fine as a fantasy, but nothing more. Making it a reality would be a mistake.