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“What?” He was taken aback for a minute.
“Did you even know that I live here for free? I clean the lobby areas and do whatever menial tasks around the apartment they need done so I can afford housing.”
“Don’t you have money for that in your scholarship?” At least he knew she had that.
She laughed. “I opted for health insurance, extra food money, and tuition and books. Look, right now, we’re going in circles. Let’s talk another day. I’m just stressed with the sudden news—about the apartment—but I’ll figure something out.”
He watched helplessly as she returned to the stove and moved the pot of noodles to the sink. “I’m sorry I haven’t been in contact,” he said, “but I’ll do better. It’s been busy at school, but you’re important to me. If you need something, please call.”
Even if she wanted space, he wasn’t going anywhere. No matter his hesitation, he knew he’d never find someone as amazing as Holly.
A half-smile returned to her face. “See you around.”
His chest tightened as he turned his back on Holly. That had been unexpected. The week before, she couldn’t keep her hands off him, and now she was willingly letting him go. His stomach was unsettled as he returned to his empty apartment.
If he’d screwed up his chances with Holly, he’d never forgive himself. If he didn’t do something fast, he’d lose her for good.
Eric glanced at the back of his truck and nodded. Everything was set to go. The sun was working in their favor, lighting up the afternoon with its warm rays.
Justin poked his head into the truck and smiled. “You went a little overboard.”
“When don’t I?”
“You think this will win her back?”
“Let’s hope so.”
It was only a few weeks until he moved away and his internship started. He had to at least try. His interactions with Holly had been limited to texting, seeing each other in the parking lot, and very rarely seeing her at the apartment. Whenever they were together, Holly kept a safe distance between them, but she seemed less tense than before, and they had somewhat returned to normal.
“Did you have your friend call her?”
Justin backed out of the car. “Oh, yeah.”
“Well, did she take it?”
“I don’t know. He hasn’t called me back.”
Eric bit his lip and nodded. Through his connections at school, he’d found an off-campus apartment that was less than a mile away from where she’d be doing her internship. They needed a secretary that could work odd hours, and he hoped it would work with her schedule. Housing wasn’t cheap, and internships didn’t pay. It would be a risky semester for Holly, and until she’d mentioned it, he hadn’t realized how much she had struggled.
“Stop worrying about her, man. You’ve done a ton for her.”
“I haven’t done enough.”
“Right. Groceries every week, slipping money to her roommates, finding her an apartment. Does she even know?”
He shrugged. “Haven’t asked. I just want her to have one less thing to worry about.”
“Do you think she’ll go for this dance thing?”
He glanced at the back of his truck where streamers and balloons filled the seats. “Let’s hope. If you guys are asking your girls, won’t she feel a little pressure to go? Hopefully we’re good enough friends that we can decrease the distance some. You know—leave on good terms, at least.”
“Hopefully, this will push you two back together. You look like two pathetic puppies who’ve lost their way.”
“Thanks, man,” he said with sarcasm. He closed the truck door. “Is Cameron ready to go? The girls will be on campus any minute.”
“He’s just finishing up a test. He’ll be here any—”
“Are you guys ready?” Cameron asked.
