She raised an eyebrow, surprise on her face. When a girl raised an eyebrow without smiling, I knew it spell
ed trouble for me.
“Really, Caleb?”
I nodded.
“Wow. Let me get my breath back here.” She placed her hand on her chest dramatically, then smiled at me widely. “Caleb, I am so happy for you! This is major news.”
I nodded, pleased that she’d taken it well. I liked Beatrice-Rose as a person. She was always classy and poised, kind to everyone. That was why we got along really well.
“Finally found the one, did you? I hope she gives you a really hard time.” She chuckled.
“Oh, she does, believe me. She’s different, you know?”
Beatrice-Rose was quiet for a moment, her eyes studying my face. I squirmed.
“Yes, I can see that. Well, it’s official, then! I have to meet her.”
“I’m sure you will sometime,” I confirmed.
Our families were very close. When we were kids, Beatrice-Rose, my brother, and I often spent time together on family trips or gatherings.
“We have to catch up and have some coffee soon. We’re still friends, aren’t we?”
I smiled at her and nodded, because whatever had happened between us before, she was right. We were still friends. “Of course.”
She smiled and waved. “See you later, then.”
I looked at my watch. Twenty more minutes until Red was done, but I decided to go to the cafeteria. I didn’t want her sitting alone, and I wanted to get her something to eat. I bought her favorite—green tea and a cinnamon bun—and was looking for a seat when I saw her, already at a table in the back corner of the room.
“Hey, Red. I’m sorry. I thought I still had”—I checked my watch—“ten minutes before you were done. Did you wait long?”
She shook her head. “I just got here.”
“How was your exam?”
Her face split into a wonderful smile that stunned me. She was so beautiful…
Damn, I’m whipped.
So, I realized, this was what made her happy. Acing her exams. Good to know.
I sat across from her, stretching my legs under the table to loosely bracket hers. I noticed she moved her legs close together, being very careful not to touch mine. She was fighting it. I grinned.
“I bought you some food,” I said, pushing the tray in front of her.
She studied me again, her dark eyes looking vulnerable. This girl was so wary of love that it made my heart ache.
“You don’t have to throw yourself at me. A simple thank-you will do,” I quipped.
“Why are you doing this? Why do you take care of me so much?”
My Red. So alone. So lonely. I’m here now.
“I don’t think you’ll believe me, even if I tell you.”
Her shoulders lifted in a sigh. She lowered her head, staring at her tea. She was avoiding my eyes, which was fine. That just meant I could admire her to my heart’s content.