AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I press the back of my hand to my cheek. My skin is hot to the touch. “Oh. Uh, maybe I should head home.” Here I am, sitting in the middle of the university café with my classmate, thinking about my dad’s best friend. Again.
“I hope you’re not coming down with something. One of my friends in res said there’s this flu going around, and it’s been a real nightmare.” Jameson closes his laptop and slides it into his bag.
I shuffle my notes together. “Communal bathrooms and the flu sound like a special kind of hell.”
“I lived in them during first year. That was enough for me.” Jameson zips up his backpack while I do the same.
“I’m sure it was fun, though.” I slide my water bottle into the exterior pocket of my backpack.
“You’ve always lived off campus, right?”
“Yeah. My dad worried about the constant party in residence.”
“It could be that way, but mostly it was just fun to be around people my own age.”
We shrug into our jackets, and Jameson passes me my backpack. We leave the café and head toward the subway. It’s blustery today, but the cold air feels good on my overheated skin. When we reach the subway, Jameson takes his hat off and runs a hand through his hair. “Uh, a bunch of us are going clubbing downtown this weekend. I’m not sure if that’s your scene or not, but you’re welcome to join us, if you’re feeling okay, anyway.” He rubs the back of his neck.
“Sort of depends on the club, but you could send me the details?” I suggest.
“Sure.” He shuffles nervously. “If it doesn’t work out, we could meet for coffee or something next week.”
“Yeah, sure. That’d be great. I’ll see you tomorrow in class.”
It isn’t until I’m on the subway home that I question whether Jameson was asking me out for coffee independent of our study group. I think I totally missed that. I’m accustomed to being around elite athlete alpha males. Not uncertain university boys.
My phone buzzes as I’m waiting for my stop.
Mom
Hi honey! Checking in, how are you?
These are the moments when I wish she was the parent I told everything to, not my dad. It’s like there’s a block that stops me from spilling my guts to her. I’m not used to being so alone with my thoughts. I usually text my dad five times a day and vice versa, but we haven’t done that as much the last few months.
Aurora
I’m good! Coming home from class. Probably going to make dinner tonight for dad.
Mom
He loves your Mac and Cheese. So do I! We’re booking tickets for your birthday. Is there anything you want?
Aurora
I’m just excited to see you and North. Do you think he’ll bring me that tea that he made last time?
Mom
I’m sure he will. I’ll ask him for you. He says hi, by the way!
Aurora
Do you have plans this weekend?
Mom
We have a week-long camping retreat with some healers that I’m so excited about. I’ll be out of cell range, so I wanted to text you and tell you how much I love you and miss you before we go.
Aurora
