A car horn loudly blaring behind me snaps me out of my distracted state. Waving in the rearview mirror, I drive through the green light toward the coffee shop.

I've been a mess since last night. I texted her immediately, explaining the whole thing again but I don't think she even read it. I've called four times today and she hasn't answered. I don't know her well but I get the sense that she cares very much about her grades. I've had my phone in my hands all day waiting for her to reach out. She might think I'm a piece of shit but she's going to push it aside to work on our project. At least I'm betting on that.

Until then, I'm hoping to casually run into her... way off campus at the coffee shop that she showed me...that is her favorite place. Casually.

The bell on the door jingles as I walk into the quiet cafe.

"Hello, again!" Susan smiles as I approach the counter.

"Hello," I rudely look past her toward the hallway.

"She's already back there," Susan chuckles.

"Oh, right. Great." I feel relief that she's here but nervous that I have to face her. Shes so far under my skin it would take a surgeon to dig her out.

"Hello?" Susan waves her hand to get my attention. I must have been spaced out again.

"I'm sorry, what?"

"Same as last time?" She's giving me a look, the kind of look that says that she can see right through me.

"Yes, please. Uh, does Evie have coffee already?" I'm not sure why my voice dips down like I'm telling her a secret.

"She does," she slides my cup across the counter and leans forward, her voice lowering. "She really loves the cinnamon rolls." Her thumb points toward the pastries.

"I'll take one of those, please."

With my coffee and my apology cinnamon roll, I walk down the narrow hallway.

She's curled up on one of the large armchairs with headphones in. Books and notebooks are scattered on the table in front of her. She looks up, startled as I stare at her from the doorway like a creep.

Irritation spreads across her face as she plucks one headphone from her ear.

"Connor, what are you doing here?"

"I come bearing gifts," I hold the cinnamon roll out toward her.

"Wow, Susan sold me out?" She takes the plate, setting it down on the table.

"I texted you last night, I'm not sure if you got it but-"

"I read it."

"O-Oh, righto," this is so awkward.

"Connor, you don't need to explain anything to me. We're partners on a project, that's all. You're allowed to do whatever you want."

"You've got the wrong idea though. Courtney and I are just friends. We've never been anything but friends. I'll admit it was rude to lose track of time and forget about her but I wasn't there on a date. I was trying to ask you out on a date..."

She sighs, "I'm not sure if this is my own projection but you come across as kind of a... ladies man." She chuckles humorlessly. "I know we just met and you asked me on a date. We're not set to get married, but I'm not looking to be one of many. I've done that and I will never do it again. I know it comes across as a bit crazy, but I'm not looking for casual and you seem like the epitome of casual."

"I'll admit, I'm a laid-back guy but I think you've got the wrong idea about me. I hook up casually, yes, but I'm not juggling ten different women."

"Well, what do you want with me?" Her large eyes look right through me. She sees everything but she's not seeing it correctly.

"I want to take you on a date and get to know you."

"And then what? Sleep with me and we'll wave awkwardly whenever we pass each other on campus. I'm not interested." She shakes her head. "If you want to get to know me, we have eleven weeks to finish this project. That's plenty of time to chat."

She's dug in her heels. It's like I can physically see her walls coming back up. She was guarded and unimpressed the first time we met but last night she let the walls come down. Now they're back up, even higher.

"Can we still have dinner tonight while we work?"

"Sure."

"Chinese, my place, around six?" I might be pushing it.

Her jaw ticks, I'm definitely pushing it. "Fine."

"I'll text you the address." I quickly back out of the room before I somehow ruin this. "See you tonight."

--

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