“I have a feeling we’ll be good friends, then,” I laughed. “That’s the first non-Ratty meal I’ve eaten since I’ve been back to school. Thanks for bringing me here.”
Jared beamed. “It was absolutely my pleasure. I’m glad we ran into each other.”
The waitress brought the ticket and Jared scooped it up, placed his card in the pouch and handed it back to her. He looked as if he’d just won the lottery. I couldn’t believe that my enjoyment of some alternately flavored french fries had made him so cheerful.
He helped me with my coat. I wasn’t the type of girl to enjoy gallantry, but the casual way he went about it made me a tad giddy. I picked up my Urban Outfitters bag, and he followed me outside.
“You walked?” Jared asked.
“I walked.” I tucked my hair behind my ears and waited for him to be chivalrous again.
“It’s getting colder. Do you mind if I drive you?” he asked, shoving his hands in his jeans pockets.
The grin that swept across my face was uncontainable. “Do you remember where I live?”
“Andrews, right?” he said. I nodded, and he seemed pleased that he could give me the correct answer. “I’m this way,” he said, directing me down the street.
Jared parked beside the curb next to my dorm, and I subliminally willed him to ask for my number, for another date, anything. I didn’t want to have to wait so long this time before I saw him again.
“Thanks again,” I said, stalling.
He smiled, but it wasn’t as broad as it was during lunch. He seemed to be as disappointed as I was that our brief encounter was over.
“You’re welcome. Truly, the pleasure was mine.”
He stepped out and less than a second later, opened my door. I stood to face him and after a small pause, began making the walk to my dorm. A sense of urgency overcame my nervousness and I turned on my heels.
He hadn’t moved. Standing in front of his black Escalade, he looked exactly like a security guard. The glass was blacked out, and it looked more like a scene in the Middle East than on a quiet Providence street.
“Jared?” I pulled my cell phone from my purse to ask for his number, but the words left me. I gulped as his eyes pierced through mine. I didn’t know if the attraction was mutual, but on my end at least, it was intense.
“We’ll run into each other again,” he said, grinning. I started to argue, but what could I say? If I wondered aloud how soon that would be, I would sound more desperate than I wanted.
“It was good to see you again, Nina,” he said, before disappearing behind the dark tint of his windows.
I smiled and waved, then continued my trek to Andrews.
Chapter Two
Invitation(s)
“It’s raining again,” Kim grumbled. “That’s something new and different.” She lit her cigarette and jostled her knees back and forth to ward off the cold. I gave her a disapproving look. “What?” she asked.
“That’s really disgusting. My father smoked cigars. I just don’t get the appeal.”
She shrugged. “There is no appeal. I’m a non-conformist.”
“You’re a masochist,” I said, rolling my eyes.
We waited outside for Beth to finish her class, planning to kidnap her to the nearest coffee shop off campus. A group of students emerged in mass exodus, and I scanned each face. I noticed a shaggy-haired boy break away from the river of students and smile at Kim.
“Hey, Josh,” Kim said.
“Hey, Kimmie. Did you get the calculus homework finished?”
Kim shrugged. “I’ll do it before class.”
Josh’s friends meandered closer to us and talked among themselves.
“Nina, this is Josh. We went to high school together in Quincy. He wants to be me when he grows up,” Kim teased, playfully punching him in the arm.
Josh laughed and shook my hand. “Only if I get to wear a hat like that.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Josh.”
Josh pointed to each of his friends. “Tucker…Chad…Ryan.”
Tucker and Chad nodded in typical boy fashion, but Ryan reached his hand out, first to Kim and then to me.
“Hi… hi,” he said to each of us. His eyes lingered on me for a moment.
“So, we’re going to The Gate later for pizza if you want to come,” Josh said.
“We’ve already made plans with another girlfriend of ours, but maybe next time,” Kim said.
Josh nodded and Chad followed him as he left. Ryan stayed for just a moment and then trailed behind them.
Kim looked at me with her eyebrows raised. “Well. Who says there’s no such thing as love at first sight?”
“Quit it,” I murmured.
Beth joined us a few moments later.
“It’s about time! Gah!” Kim said in her typical dramatic fashion.
Beth laughed. “Who’s he?” she asked just as Ryan turned to look at us again.
“Ryan. Friend of a friend. Isn’t he dreamy?” Kim said as she nestled against Beth’s shoulder.