Fake Marriage Box Set

“Looks like it’s going to rain,” he said, as we got in line. “Do you also sit outside to drink coffee in the rain?”

I knew he was joking. “Nope, I only dance in the rain. You want me to find us a table inside?”

He nodded. “Sure, I’ll grab the coffees and find you.”

I left in search of the perfect table that would provide us with some privacy. This was a big student hang out, and the last thing I wanted to do was get any rumors started. I found one tucked away in a corner behind a garbage can and quickly claimed it.

“There you are,” he said, handing me my coffee. “I thought maybe you changed your mind and left.”

I laughed. “No, but I figured it would probably be better if we didn’t advertise our friendship in the student cafeteria.”

He nodded. “Good thinking. How’ve you been, Tessa?” he asked it in a way that made me feel all warm and gooey inside.

I nodded. “Good.” That’s what you’re supposed to say, right? I couldn’t very well tell him that he’d been a cold fish for three weeks and I was stressed out about classes and his workload.

He took a sip of his coffee, and I find myself watching his mouth—his lips, really.

“What are your plans for the weekend?” he asked, drawing my eyes back to his own.

I sighed. “I’m going home for a few days. You?”

He rolled his eyes. “My brother is dragging me to a barbecue with a bunch of our old friends.”

I had to chuckle, he said dragged, but I could tell by the way his eyes lit up that he was actually excited to be going. I couldn’t resist teasing him a bit.

“That sounds dreadful. Will there be food and beer and all that other horrible stuff one finds at a barbecue?”

He laughed. “Actually, yes. And the food will be prepared by a professional chef, so you can imagine how bad it will be.”

“That does sound bad. Whatever you do, don’t let them force you to take home any leftovers,” I said in a hushed tone.

Another laugh and I found myself actually having a good time. Why can’t he be like this all the time? I like this guy. Ian is fun. Professor Dunlap is a bit of a dick.

“Class seems to be going well, don’t you think?” he asked, steering the conversation back to the professional side of things.

I nodded. “Yes, I think the students are trusting you more. It’s going very well. Don’t worry, you’re doing fine,” I assured him.

“Thank you. Some days I feel like I’m talking to the wall,” he replied.

We talked about the upcoming trip down to one of the beaches and what he hoped to accomplish. I checked the time and realized I had to get going.

“Thanks for the coffee,” I told him, standing and preparing to leave. He reached out and grabbed my hand, taking me by surprise. I questioned him with my eyes.

“I’m sorry,” he says.

Nothing more. I had no idea what he was apologizing for and didn’t have a lot of time to get into a conversation about it.

“Okay,” I said, pulling my hand away. “I’ll see you tomorrow. I really need to get home and get some stuff done before my roommate kicks me out.”

He gazed at me for a long second before looking away. I hurried out the door and made my way to my car. I needed to study for a test and make a real dinner. It was my night. Maria would be late, and I owed it to her. She had been taking care of me for way too long.

As I went about making dinner, I couldn’t help but think back to Ian and what he had said. What was he apologizing for? He had seemed very sincere, and I believed him. I just didn’t know what exactly he meant.

Chapter Thirteen

Ian

It’s a marathon, not a sprint, they say. I had to constantly remind myself of this. I can get through these last three classes. Three classes and I get to try my hand at this whole socializing thing. I was nervous and excited at the same time. I was anxious to hang out with people my own age, who had careers and understood some of what I went through on a daily basis. Hanging out with teenagers and those who were barely legal to drink day after day made one feel really old.