Sitting outside when it’s this cold is madness. Charlie doesn’t seem to mind, though. She’s chatting away, regaling me
with tales of her weekend visit with her mom. Chief Traverse and his wife divorced ages ago, and she lives a few hours’ drive away. Charlie always comes back with a few stories. As she narrates, all I can think about is how much I miss Mexico, especially when a gust of wind picks up and swirls around us, making me shiver.
My phone vibrates in my pocket. I’m surprised I feel it since I’m almost fully numb from the cold. “Charlie, if I get frostbite, I’m suing you,” I grumble.
She sniggers. “The cool air is good for you.”
I scowl. Cool? We might as well be at the fucking North Pole. We’re sitting on a bench on campus, just hanging out between classes. We could have gone to a cafe or somewhere warmer, but no, my insane friend wants to hang outside.
My heart stutters as soon as I pull up my messages and see Bryce’s name. Actually, I have him stored as Cancun in case anyone gets into my phone. He got a good laugh out of that.
C: Bet I know what you’re thinking.
I lift a brow, confused about the random text.
I tap out, Um… okay. What am I thinking?
C: You’re thinking about Mexico.
My brows dip. Yeah, I was just thinking about it.
A: You’re good. How do you know?
C: (grinning emoji) You look cold.
My head snaps ups, and I survey the campus. There are several other brave students lounging outside and some are strolling by. In the parking lot, a good distance away, I see his car. He’s leaned against it, a paper coffee cup in hand, peering in my direction. Looking at him anyone would think, he’s just finishing his coffee while checking emails or something, before he gets into his car.
A: I’m freezing. How long have you been standing there… watching me?
C: Too long.
A: Stalker.
C: I’m not even ashamed anymore.
I let out a giggle and Charlie stops talking to look at me funny. “I gave you the joke like two minutes and now you’re laughing?”
“Er…” I don’t have the heart to tell her I spaced out and missed the joke. “It’s just clicking right now.” She lifts a brow and launches into another topic.
Glancing back at Bryce, I see him smile. I’m glad we talk like this, over texts and phone calls. He makes me laugh. I blow out a breath. It’s time for me to stop pussyfooting around and just go out with the guy. He’s been patient and so sweet. I’m going to make time this weekend. I let him know.
A: I’m free this weekend…
I look his way to see his expression. He’s looking at his phone, wearing a broad grin.
C: I’ll call you.
“Okay, who are you talking to?” Charlie reaches for my phone and I stretch my arm away just in time before she can take it from me. She gasps. “Oh my god, you are talking to someone!” she screeches, and it has my ear ringing. I had no idea voices could even go that high. “Who is it? Who is he? What’s he like? Tell me everything. Does he smell good? Men who smell good are the best,” she sighs in a dreamlike state.
Actually, Bryce does smell good.
Really, really fucking good.
“What’s he do? Is he a student? Does he go here? Is he older?” she drops her tone salaciously.
I can hardly keep up with all her questions.
“Oh! Is he married? I’ll support you the best I can, but between you and me, I don’t think that’s right to do.”