A waitress comes over and takes our order, clearly recognizing Shana. When she delivers our drinks, her hands are shaking. I raise an eyebrow to Shana, who hides her grin.
“I have to admit, there are several reasons I asked you to meet me.”
“Okay.”
“Henry said you approached him about your classes next semester. He thought I may be able to help you with your schedule.”
“Really?”
“Well, there’s obviously not much we can do about the required courses, but maybe I can help answer any questions.”
“Thanks.”
“Also, we have a week to make any changes and additions to the submission for the University Paper. I thought I’d have the team over to my apartment this Sunday. Henry’s agreed to join us. We don’t have much to cover since it’s basically perfect, so it’ll just be a last minute run through.”
My face falls as my stomach drops with disappointment. She notices, and her smile fades.
“I’m supposed to visit Norfolk this weekend. Bryce has been there for almost a month, and I haven’t been yet. There’s a big party on Saturday. I’m not scheduled to come home until early Monday morning.”
Her eyes fill with understanding then turn soft. “We’ll do it another time.”
“No, don’t cancel because of me. If you need me, I’ll call.”
She nods in understanding. “Tell me what else has been happening.”
“For me, things are great… busy but great.”
“Have you set a wedding date?”
“No, we haven’t really mentioned it.”
She freezes, mid sip of her coffee, and looks at me strangely. Her face is full of questions, but she stays quiet.
“It hasn’t come up in a while,” I say defensively. “We’ve both been busy, and his schedule is erratic. Between cheer, classes, homework, and the feature article, we haven’t really talked about it.”
She stays quiet, but there’s disappointment written all over her.
“Why does it seem like you disapprove?”
“I’m sorry,” she says softly. “It’s none of my business.”
“What’s none of your business?”
“I’m thinking like a lovesick puppy. I’d have thought you’d be looking at china patterns and honeymoon destinations.”
I was wrong earlier. She’s not disappointed; she’s sad.
“I forget that I’ve lived a lifetime beyond yours. If I had a ring on my finger and a man who loved me as much as Bryce loves you, we’d be in front of the Justice of the Peace the day after he proposed.” Her voice is hollow, and for the first time ever, I notice sorrow in her eyes.
“You’ve hardly lived a lifetime, Shana. You’re only thirty-four,” I tease, trying to lighten the mood.
She tips her lips up in a pathetic attempt at a grin.
“Is this about Professor Grant?” I ask cautiously.
She looks around, scanning the area. Satisfied no one is within hearing distance, she exhales loudly. “I fucked up, Devon… really, truly fucked up. Jesus, what was I thinking?”
“Is this about your decision to follow your career?”