Page 8 of Always Be My Baby

After we passed through the parking lot and through a few low bushes, we stopped at the curb. I scanned both ways and before I could tell him to run, he grabbed my hand and burst out, “Run.”

I didn’t pull my hand away but kept running and let him guide me. We halted to catch our breath, and just then a cop car passed by. We exchanged glances and raised our eyebrows.

“That was too close,” I said. “Getting a ticket for jaywalking would be too embarrassing.”

“I hear ya,” he agreed as he continued to follow me. “But that was fun. It’s like playing Frogger.”

“I played it when I was a kid, too.” I smiled.

After crossing through mid-thigh high bushes, a parking lot appeared and then finally my apartment.

“Well. This is my stop. Thank you for walking me, even though you didn’t have to.” I took out my key from my back pocket and dangled it. “I would invite you in for a drink or something...” God, did I just say those words? Say something unpretentious. “I mean, you know, to thank you for inviting me, but my roommate isn’t feeling well. She has a fever.”

Grayson frowned and adjusted his cap. “Does she need medicine, or do you need anything?”

So sweet. Why does he have to be so sweet?

“We have everything we need. But, thank you. And thank you again for asking me. The study group helped.”

He nodded and shoved his hands in his jean pockets. “I’m glad you agreed to come and actually came.” He grinned. I couldn’t stop staring at his dimples. “By the way, if you get a one, one from me on your pager, it means hello. So, I’ll see you in class tomorrow. Good luck on your test.”

“You too,” I said, handing his flannel shirt back. With a smile, I entered my apartment and closed the door behind me.

Guilt poured into me. I shoved Lucas aside. It wasn’t a date, I reminded myself. I didn’t cheat. But I couldn’t understand the butterflies fluttering inside my gut.

Was I falling out of love with Lucas? And maybe he was falling out of love with me? Possibly the reason for our frequent fights lately?

I tiptoed to check up on Leah. When I placed my hand on her forehead, she grabbed my hand. I yelped and jumped back.

“Oh my God, you scared me.” I pressed a hand on my chest.

“The medicine kicked in, I feel much better. I’m just tired,” she said softly.

I placed a bottle of water with a straw inside it next to her lips. “Drink.”

She shifted sideways and started sipping. “Thanks, Mom.” Leaning back, she asked, “So, how was Mr. Hot Guy?”

I put the water bottle on the night table and playfully glared at her. “Mr. Hot Guy is just a friend. There were four other people with us. It wasn’t a date.”

“Uh huh.” Her lips perked. “He’s so sweet and has the cutest dimples.”

I crossed my arms and scowled. “If you like him that much, then you should go out with him.”

“He didn’t ask me out. He asked you.” She closed her eyes and waved a hand. “He has your number, doesn’t he?”

I recalled when he asked for it. “Yes, and pager number. It doesn’t mean anything.”

The doorbell chimed.

“Maybe it’s him again,” she cooed.

“Shut up.” I rolled my eyes.

The doorbell chimed again.

I dismissed her words and headed for the door, but a little tiny part of me wished what she said came true. Stupid me forgot to check the peephole and opened the door.

Chapter Seven