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“Let’s go up on the roof.” He started walking toward the iron staircase.
“But, it’s January. It’s freezing.”
“You’ll be fine. There are heaters up there. Plus, when do they ever have a date on Love Match when they aren’t on a rooftop?”
“Good point.” I grudgingly followed my partner up the spiral stairs.
Beau opened the door for me to walk out into the cold Chapel Hill night. I caught my breath. The rooftop was empty. Sparkly lights draped the perimeter and a few scattered heat lamps dotted the patio.
“How about over here?” Beau pointed to a table.
I gently placed my wine glass down and sat directly under the heat lamp. The warmth from the glowing tower was enough to keep me from shivering.
“I’ve never been up here.” I looked up. The sky was crystal clear and the stars glimmered overhead. I glanced over the edge of the brick wall to see the street sprawl out in front of us. A couple walked just below us holding hands.
“It’s pretty cool.” Beau shifted in his seat and took a sip of the wine.
“Did you do the reading yet for this week? I couldn’t believe it was on how reality TV romances gear subject matter to appeal to the female demographic. It’s the perfect article to use for the project.”
“Do you always talk about class?”
“What do you mean?”
“London, look around. We’re the only people on top of the wine bar. That down there is Franklin Street—one of the most famous college streets in the country. We’re seniors. Just take it in.” He swirled the wine around in the bowl-like glass.
Beau caught me off guard. I wasn’t expecting a lecture on seizing the moment. “Wait. Is this one of the things on your list?”
He leaned into the table and smiled. “No. But what does it matter?”
“It doesn’t. You’re right. It’s a beautiful night.” I took another sip of my wine and felt it warm me down to my toes.
“Something bothering you? You’ve seemed a little off since you got here.”
Being a little off was becoming a trend whenever I was around Beau. I wasn’t sure if the wine had already gone to my head, but I told him why I was late arriving to our non-date.
“It’s one of my roommates. She’s dating a football player and they broke up for about five minutes. I thought she would figure out he’s just using her, but she took him back. It’s depressing seeing someone you care about be treated that way.”
“That sucks. Who is she dating?”
“Pearce Hudson.”
“Whoa. You know Pearce Hudson?”
“Try not to sound so excited. He’s really a dick and I hate how he treats my friend.” My mood was souring the rooftop atmosphere.
“He’s only the best wide receiver to ever play at Carolina.” I shot him a be-careful stare. “But sorry to hear he’s such an asshole to your roommate.”
I laughed. “Thanks. That actually makes me feel better. Now, if only we could get Candace to see it.”
“Well, do you want some unsolicited advice?”
I looked at him cautiously, although I was dying to know his male perspective on this problem. “Sure. What should I do?”
“Nothing.”
“Nothing? That’s your helpful advice?”
“If he really is a jerk, she will eventually figure it out and then she’s going to need you to help her do whatever girls do to get over asshole boyfriends. Drink wine. Eat chocolate or something. The point is, if you interfere now, you won’t get to be that person for her when she really needs you.”
