Nikki
sorry, I actually can’t, I’ve got a big BCOM test tomorrow so I need to study
Jude
gotcha
when are you free next?
Nikki
maybe Thursday?
depending on where I’m at on homework
sorry babe, October is always crazy
Jude
I know, but I really need to talk to you
Nikki
lol don’t say it like that, it makes it seem like you’re gonna dump me or something
Jude
just because I want to talk doesn’t mean it’s bad
Nikki
good because I can’t handle any additional drama or stress right now
Jude
well hopefully I’ll be helping
Nikki
okay good xoxo I’ll keep you posted about Thursday
Jude
cool!
It feels wrong to lie to Nikki about my intentions, but I’m worried that if I don’t get her to my apartment, we’ll never end things.
Nikki is right about one other thing—October truly is a crazy month. I can’t imagine balancing a retail job with school right now because I’m drowning in homework. We all are. Even Oliver has been slow to reply to my texts that aren’t about our psych class. I have two midterm exams to study for and three papers to finish before the end of the week. It’s probably best for both of us if I don’t see Nikki until Thursday.
“Hey, Jude, are you in there?” Celeste says as she knocks on my bedroom door.
“Yeah, you can come in,” I reply, setting my phone face down on my desk.
Celeste opens the door and lingers in the doorframe. She looks exhausted, but still far more put together than I am. “I can’t remember if we discussed the Halloween Phantom Fandom Fest on Friday night. Are you coming to that? Max is making me go, but I can’t remember whether you said you were too busy or not.”
I chuckle. “Damn, that sure is a mouthful. I thought you had to work.”
“I was able to switch some things around, but unfortunately, it means I’m working the night shift on Thursday and opening on Friday morning, so you probably won’t see me until Friday night anyway.”
