I took pains to avoid direct eye contact. “Um… I’ve been okay.”
I hoped he saw how very uncomfortable I was, but he just kept going. “That’s good,” he nodded. “That’s really good to hear.”
He seemed to be trying really hard to be friendly, and I hoped he wasn’t going to mention the study group again.
“I have to get to my next class, Jason,” I told him.
“Oh, okay…then I won’t keep you long,” he said. “Listen… I just… I really want to apologize to you.”
I was slightly surprised, and that made me look up to meet his eyes. He was looking at me imploringly, and for a moment, I actually felt sorry for him.
“The last time we spoke… Well, I wasn’t very nice to you,” Jason said, and he had the grace to look ashamed of himself. “I… I can come on a little strong sometimes.”
“It’s okay,” I said, hoping that would put an end to the conversation.
But then Jason whipped out a small wrapped package from his jacket pocket and handed it to me. “Here you go,” he said.
“Uh…what is this?”
“It’s a birthday gift,” Jason said, taking me by surprise. “Happy birthday.”
I looked down at the gift he was holding out to me. “How did you know it was my birthday?”
He gave me a smile that I knew was meant to be charming and mysterious, but it only made me feel violated. “I have my ways,” he said.
I gave him a tight smile. “No, but seriously…how did you know?”
“I hope you like it,” he said, pushing the gift into my hand.
With no choice but to take it, I looked down at the wrapped box and decided to be gracious about it. After all, he had taken the time to go out and buy me something.
“Thank you, Jason,” I said. “This was really sweet of you, but you shouldn’t have.”
“I wanted to,” he said emphatically. “I saw it in the store window, and I thought it would suit you.”
I looked down awkwardly. “Well, thanks again.”
“No problem.”
“I should really get going,” I said, making my way to the exit.
“Where’s your next class?” he asked, following me out.
“The Abigail Tate building,” I said reluctantly.
“Great,” he said. “I’ll walk you there.”
I felt that same sense of unease I had the first time Jason had approached me. “Oh, that’s really not necessary, Jason,” I said quickly.
“No, I insist,” he said persistently.
“Uh…do you have a class that’s close by?” I asked.
“No,” he replied shortly. “So, what are your birthday plans?”
“I’m just going to stay in with my roommate and chill out,” I lied immediately.
“Really?” he asked. “That’s it?”