Shame Me Not

That got her attention. She finally lifted her head to glower at me with pinched lips. Lips I still wanted to bite even when they were mad at me.

“Fine, but only for a bit.”

We didn’t talk during our walk to the University Center coffee shop and she stood too far away for me to grab her hand. When we ordered, I paid, ignoring her arguments that she could buy it herself. I knew she could, but I liked treating her.

I grabbed a table in the back wanting as much privacy with her as possible. She’d been giving me the cold shoulder since we’d gotten back from Florida and it didn’t sit well in my stomach. Every short response to one of my text messages or phone calls that she ignored, caused my panic to rise. Was she trying to distance herself from me, or did she just need space to process our argument?

Well, I’d given her spring break and that was about all I was capable of. She would talk to me even if I had to come across like a stalker. Anabelle was my friend, and I wouldn’t let her slip through my fingers again.

Shaking off my worry, I started with a simple question to break the tension.

“How was the rest of your break?” At least I thought it was an easy question, but I noticed a pink tinge to her cheeks before she looked down at her thumb sliding across the lid of her coffee.

“Good.” She cleared her throat and then looked back up, the blush gone. “I didn’t do much but get caught up on school work and spend time with my mom.”

“How’s she doing? She seemed to really enjoy Florida.”

“She did. Please thank your parents again for me for letting us come.”

“Oh come on, Ana. You’re family. Hell, you can go there even when we aren’t. You know my parents love you.”

“Maybe I will. Mom looked more carefree there than I’d seen her in a while.”

“Your mom has to be the most put-together sick person I’ve ever encountered. She could be in the middle of an apocalypse and would still find some makeup.”

Ana laughed and it eased the tightness in my chest. “She didn’t teach me too much, but she did always tell me that a woman can be a mess but hold it together with a good lipstick and mascara.”

Her smile dimmed and I hated the sadness that lingered around her eyes. “Have dinner with me,” I asked on impulse. I wanted—no needed—to take care of her. I knew she was going to blow me off when she wouldn’t meet my eyes anymore.

“I don’t know, Kev. I have a lot to do and my roommate may be home, and I figured we’d hang out.”

“Okay,” I answered with a calm I didn’t feel at her rejection. “If you change your mind, we can always order pizza.”

“Did someone say pizza?” Will interrupted. “I’m down to crash anyone’s night.”

“Hey, Will.” Ana waved. “Apparently, you’re in luck. Kevin will be ordering pizza tonight and since you live so close to him, he could use your help eating it.”

“Anything to help a friend out.” Will nodded at me.

“Thanks, Teddy Brosevelt.”

“Anytime, Marco Brolo.”

“Appreciate it, Fidel Castbro.”

“I’m here for you, Pablo Picassbro.”

“Oh, my god, that’s enough,” Ana interrupted, laughing. “What are you two going to do without each other after graduation?”

“Well, Kevin will probably take that Zumba class he’s always wanted to try, but I’ve been too manly to let him.”

“You’re just jealous you can’t pull off the sweet dance moves I have.”

“Yeah. Super jealous of your two-step.” Will rolled his eyes, laughing as he turned to Ana. “What are you doing once school is out?”

“I actually have three interviews set up at different schools. I’ve been offered a position at a school I’ve aleady interviewed at, but I want to keep my options open.”

“All the boys are going to be dying to take chemistry to be with the hot teacher.”

“Watch it,” I warned, shoving Will’s shoulder. “That’s my friend you’re talking about.”

He put his hands up, but still blew a kiss to a laughing Ana. I tried not punch him for even play-flirting with Ana. I didn’t think his surfer boy looks appealed to her, but the past week had me feeling like I didn’t know Ana at all.

“What about you Will? What’s on the calendar for you after graduation?” Ana asked.

“More school. I’ll be going to med school right here, so I won’t have to worry about moving and I can still be close to my mom and have her home cooking.” Closing his eyes, he rubbed his flat stomach and hummed.

“There’s a way to get the ladies,” I joked. “You want to come over for a home-cooked meal by my mommy?”

“Hey. Moms are awesome,” Ana defended. “Yours is great and I’d come over for her cooking any time.”