We were standing by the security line at Logan Airport, arms around each other and looking to all the world like a couple saying a sad goodbye. I looked up at him, still doing me best not to cry like a dope in our last moments together. Spring break wasn’t that far away, but it was far enough that not seeing him that long was going to suck. And besides that, even when we did see each other again, it was going to be at home, with family around, and our lives and all that.
“So, uh, I’ve got some more business in two weeks back up here in Boston.”
My mouth split into a huge grin as I looked up at him; Jake had no business here, it’d just been his pretense to come see me.
I melted into his arms as he kissed me, never wanting to let him go.
*****
I knew I was glowing as I got to the library; I couldn't help it! I couldn't get Mr. Harding out of my head, especially after spending the whole night with him! On top of that, his surprise news this morning about coming for another visit had me walking on air as sauntered through the study tables with a big sappy grin on my face.
I saw Lucy, my roommate, at one of the far back tables and grinned at her as I made my way over and slumped into one of the chairs next to her.
"Ok, spill it." Lucy was eyeing me with suspicion and a smirk on her face, and I found myself blushing.
"What?" I tried to say it innocently, but I also knew I wasn't nearly that good at hiding things when they were that clear on my face.
"Don't 'what' me, lady; you know what I'm talking about." Lucy arched her brow at me. "The guy, dummy. I might be a heavy sleeper, but I know an un-slept-in bed when I see one! You didn't come home last night!"
"I-" I could feel my face burn bright red, knowing I'd been busted. But, I couldn't just tell her about the married, much older man I was seeing.
"Chelsea, c’mon!” Across the room, someone shushed us. Lucy rolled her eyes and leaned close to me. "You know I'd tell you!"
"It's- kinda complicated, Lucy."
She sighed. “Chels-"
“Okay, Okay!” The girl was persuasive, I had to give her that. I felt my willpower crumble, and then I was caving and telling her everything.
Her jaw dropped. "Wooaaaah, Chelsea!"
I groaned. "I know, I know; it's terrible and I'm a terrible per-"
"No! Seriously, no. C’mon girl, you know I'm not judging, and I don't think you're a terrible person at all. I'm just- Wow. I mean, way to jump right into the whole sex and relationship thing with both feet!"
I smiled at her, still trying to not think about doomed or how wrong this whole thing with Mr. Harding was. God, I was still calling him “Mr. Harding” in my head instead of Jake!
She suddenly grinned wider at me with a look of sudden realization. “Wait, is that where you were last night?! Is he here in Boston?"
Crimson spread across my face, and I nodded sheepishly.
Lucy hooted, bringing another round of shushes from the studiers. “That's my girl! Well, if he's in town, I wanna meet him!"
“Was.” My grin faded and my eyes dropped as I thought about Jake getting on that plane.
Lucy seemed to see the look in my eyes as she scooted closer and wrapped her arms around me. “How long?”
I sighed, dropping my forehead onto her shoulder. “I’m not sure. A few weeks, which is better than Spring Break, I guess.”
“Dude, plenty of people do long distance, you know.” Lucy shrugged. “And the family thing? I mean, that’s not ideal, I’ll grant you that. But if you’re happy and your family see’s that, I bet it goes a long way to your dad not murdering the guy.”
I had to laugh, even as I sniffed back the tears. “Well, it’s also a bit more complicated than-” I stopped myself short with a shake of my head. “Never mind.”
Lucy frowned. “What?”
“No, really, it’s nothing.” I smiled at her. “Just more moping.”
*****