I have no idea what to do about my racing heart or what decisions to make about my future.
Chapter Fifteen
Ella
“I almost told him,” I blurt out to Cami as I throw my backpack on the lecture table and take a seat beside her.
“You did?” Her eyes wide, not missing a beat as to whohimis.
“Yeah. We had a moment, and I just…” I exhale. “Wanted to. I feel like he may have been okay with it.”
“I think he would have. He seems like a decent guy. Why didn’t you?”
“I panicked,” I say honestly. What if he wasn’t okay with it? What if he rejected me?
I was afraid to combine my worlds. If I told him and it went horribly, I would lose him twice. I would lose him as SoloSurferandDallas Dawes, the cute hockey player who skates with snack bar girl.
All eyes swing to the door as three boisterous guys enter the classroom.
My eyes are glued to the one in the center.Dallas.
“Just in time,” my professor says, closing the door behind them. “We are about to begin.”
Dallas saunters over to his seat in the front row, the only area left, and my eyes land on his as he finds mine.
Look, I’m not expecting a whole welcoming parade, but a smile, a head nod, orsomethingwould be nice. Any type of recognition would do, but nope, nada. Dallas’ eyes focus on his seat again, never bouncing my direction again.
I know Dallas wouldn’t acknowledge me as his BBUGirl, but I thought he would at least greet Ella. Apparently, I am wrong. I’m nothing to him.
I’m just thankful I didn’t tell him the truth.
My phone vibrates in my pocket. I pull it out, look at the name, and moan on cue.
Cami throws me a curious glance and then says, “Wait. You got your phone back?”
“Nope,” I say, popping thep. “Vienna was sick of not being able to reach me twenty-four-seven, so she graciously gave me this old junk phone to use,” I say as I flip open the phone to read her message. “Oh, and is taking one hundred bucks a month out of my paycheck,” I tack that little fun fact on.
“Such a giver, that one,” Cami deadpans.
“I know, right?” I say, as my eyes scan the text and my heart sinks.
Vienna S.: There was a mix-up with your tuition payment.
Vienna S.: Whoopsie
I reply quickly.
Ella: What does that mean?
Vienna S.: It means that you can pick up more shifts at the ice rink during the busy season.
Ella: WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?!?
Ella: ???
I flip my phone open at the end of class, and I still don’t have a response from Vienna. I stand up and throw my bag over my shoulder as I fidget with my straps. My mouth is dry, and my muscles ache as I walk toward the exit.
“Ella?” My professor stops me and lowers his glasses. “Can I have a word?”
