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I thought about the night he ran into me with his bike. “No, I wouldn’t have.”
“And why not?”
This was starting to feel like a counseling session. “I guess because I didn’t know anything about him. I thought he was just like every other guy on campus.”
“And now that you’ve gone on these dates, you don’t think he’s so average anymore? You think he’s special?”
Well, if she wanted to define special as someone who could make me melt with one look, or someone who didn’t back down from my dares to get him to sing, or someone who could carry me with one arm from the scariest height I had ever encountered, then, yes, he was all of that and more.
“Yes, definitely. I think he’s the most amazing person I’ve ever met.” He was also the person I voluntarily made a fool of myself for on a regular basis.
“Then, it sounds like we need to make an adjustment to the research.” She smiled that cat-like smile she used when she was formulating a plan. “How many episodes do you and Beau have left to follow?”
“I believe we have four dates left to go.”
“I’ll make a deal with you, London. I probably have mentioned this, so you know I’m a huge Love Match fan. Never missed an episode.” Oh, good grief. I should pair her up with Nina. “The show’s rules stipulate that the bachelorette can’t reveal her true feelings to any of the men she is dating. What if you carry out the last four dates without telling Beau any of your feelings and see if the magic of the dates can bring him back around?”
I was hoping she would say exactly that. I smiled. “So he doesn’t know that I’m trying to get him back but I keep blogging like I’ve been?”
“Yes. Now, you’re going to have to do double the work, because I need you to record your true feelings and your observations from each of the dates for the real research. And I want you to come with me to Orlando to present the study.”
I hadn’t expected that bargaining morsel. I had a frightening image of my drunken professor in an Orlando dance club. “I guess that’s the least I could do for damaging the project.”
“London, it’s not damaged. Research changes. The heart wants what the heart wants. Who am I to stand in the way of true love? Oh, this is going to be so much fun! It’s even better than your original idea.” She clapped her hands together.
“Thank you, Professor Garcia. I won’t ruin it this time.” I couldn’t believe she was taking it so well. Love Match was like a drug casting a spell over its fans.
“Just don’t tell Beau. I think he’ll come around on his own. Good luck, dear.” She picked up her briefcase and climbed the steps to the top of the class.
I walked out of Manning Hall ready to tackle the world. Garcia was on board and I had avoided the scandal that accompanied a report to the dreaded honor court.
My phone buzzed in my back pocket. I pulled it out to read the text.
Saturday date: show at the Cat’s Cradle
Beau was planning the next Love Match date. Yes. The day was getting better and better. I thought through my response before hitting send.
Good idea.
Victoria and Heath were helicoptered to a secluded island for a private concert. Cat’s Cradle was nothing like an island, but it was an intimate venue for a concert.
Zero flirting could be detected. So far, I was sticking to Nina’s plan. I couldn’t wait to call her and tell her what had happened with Beau. Missing Tuesday’s class might have been a side effect of one of his bucket list items, but deep down I wanted to think it had something to do with us.
This was our seventh date, but it felt more like the first. Beau had texted and said he would meet me at the door of Cat’s Cradle, the venue for the Bayou Boys concert. I faced my reflection in the mirror one last time before heading out. There were only three more dates after tonight.
It was as if Beau had flipped a switch. He went from the hot and sweet boyfriend who couldn’t keep his hands off me to a cool, distant classmate enduring the last few weeks of school with his group partner. He couldn’t keep this up. There was no way the time we spent together didn’t mean the same thing to him as it did to me. I held on to the memories from spring break. I knew exactly what Nina was talking about when she said Beau looked at me like no one else. It was all there in his eyes—at least it used to be.
“You look great, London. Stop worrying so much.” Nina peeked her head around the corner.
“Babe, he’s going to eat you up.” Candace chimed in behind her. I didn’t know she was home tonight. “That skirt is cute.”
“You two are sweet.” I fluffed the back of my hair. “What are you doing home, Candace?”
“I stopped by to say hi. Pearce is having a guys’ night or something like that.” She chewed on her bottom lip.
I didn’t want to pry. I crossed my room to give her a hug. “I’m glad you’re here. I won’t be out too late. I think the concert starts at nine, so I should be home early. Movie night?”
Nina smiled behind Candace. “Definitely. More zombies?”
