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Unbelievable. I wonder what she would think if she knew her “boyfriend” stayed over the first night I was sick. After that, he’d checked on me a few times each day, and he’d brought or made me food. Even though he’d been busy with classes, hockey practices, workouts, and two home games, he’d still taken the time out of his schedule to care for me.
I’d really love to rub that in her face, but I’m sure the 40,000 questions I’d have to answer afterward wouldn’t be worth the hassle.
“Whatever,” I mumble. I don’t feel like listening to her delusions today.
Right now, I’m getting ready to head over to Eli’s to surprise him with dinner. After everything he did for me this past week, I wanted to do something nice to thank him for it, and he’d mentioned earlier that he was staying home to study tonight.
I’d picked up burgers and fries from Sal’s a few minutes ago, and had Beckett buy a six-pack of beer for me.
I didn’t tell him it was for Eli, though. That would probably just piss him off.
“Those fries smell so good,” Mandi says, glancing at the bag on the dresser. “Can I have some?”
“Sorry, they’re spoken for.”
No way am I telling her that I’m headed over to Eli’s. She’d either freak the fuck out and get the wrong idea or invite herself along, which would be worse.
Mandi gives me one of her well-practiced pouts, but frankly, I’m over her bullshit today. She had no empathy for me, so she’s not getting any of my damned fries. I ignore her and pick up the bag of food, then stuff the beers into my knapsack.
“Where are you going with that stuff?” she asks, surveying me with a critical eye. “And wait... are you wearing makeup?”
“No,” I reply, frowning. “Why would you think that?”
She crosses her arms. “You look different somehow. I can’t figure out why. Your cheeks are rosy, and your lips look more pink than usual.”
I shrug. “I’m wearing my hair down, but other than that, I’ve done nothing different.”
Mandi sighs. “I wish you would let me give you a makeover, Holland. I could make you into such a stunner.”
I hike the knapsack over my shoulder, choosing once again to ignore her comments. “Enjoy the peace and quiet. I’ll be back later.”
“You still didn’t say where you’re going,” she points out.
“You’re right. I didn’t.” I give her a sarcastic little finger wave. “Ta-ta.”
Before she can interrogate me further, I close the door behind me, then head over to the elevators. Glancing at the bags of food, I bite down on my lower lip.
I hope Eli’s okay with having regular burgers. He’d gotten a chicken burger last time we were at Sal’s. Do hockey players even eat regular burgers during their season? I have no idea.
Okay, I need to stop. I’m totally overthinking this.
Once I arrive at Eli’s house, I end up standing outside of his front door for five minutes trying to calm myself down.
I know it’s stupid, but for some reason, this visit feels different. No, it’s not a date or anything like that, but it’s not like it was before, either, because things between us have changed.
We’ve become actual friends, and I see him as way more than just my crush. He’s become important to me as a person, and as my friend. What he’d done for me was so caring and kind, and he didn’t have to do any of it.
This dinner feels like a very small token of thanks in comparison. I’m not sure what else I can do, though. I could always return the favor and take care of him if he gets sick, but he’s showing no signs of catching what I had, thankfully.
Okay, if I don’t get moving, the food is going to turn to ice. I knock and take a step back, shuffling from foot to foot. Eli opens the front door, and when he sees me, his eyebrows shoot up and a slow smile spreads across his face.
“Look who’s all better.” He leans one shoulder against the door frame, then sweeps his gaze down my body.
I’m wearing jeans, a fitted black t-shirt, and my purple Converse—not anything that can be considered all that sexy.
Still, something about his assessment makes mefeelsexy. Especially when his gaze lingers on my midriff, where my t-shirt doesn’t quite reach the top of my jeans.
“One hundred percent,” I say, feeling my cheeks redden. “Thanks to your help.” I hold up the bag of food. “I come bearing gifts of sustenance and alcohol.”
