AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Thanks, Sean,” Colleen said, relieved.
“Don’t be gone too long, princess,” he said, guiding Ryan and Aidan back inside.
Colleen glared after Sean. She hated the nickname her brothers had given her. They made fun of her for wanting to have clothes from expensive boutiques, not from the sales rack of discount stores.
Turning away from her brothers, she led the way to the back gate. She reached for the latch, but Finn placed his hand on the latch and opened the gate. “After you, my lady,” he said with a gallant bow.
“Is that some kind of snarky reference to my stupid nickname?” she asked in a huff, passing through.
“What?” His brows drew together in confusion. “I wouldn’t do that. I’m just trying to be a gentleman.” There was no trace of sarcasm in his voice, only sincerity. It was so different from how her brothers teased her without mercy. She could get used to this sort of attention.
She glanced over at Finn. No longer a gangly teenager, he was tall and muscular, but lean and firm like an Olympic swimmer. She’d overheard Finn and Sean gossiping about girls and wasn’t surprised to learn Finn had lots of girlfriends back in New York City. Even before he started college, he’d acquired a reputation as a partier and a player, but Colleenhad never seenthat side of him.
Sean’s car was only parked a block away, but Colleen wanted this short walk to take much longer. Now that they were alone,her stomach fluttered with excitement, wonderingwhat would happen next.
Finn took Colleen’s hand and wrapped his warm, firm fingers around hers. It was not like before, when they casually touched hands. The way their fingers interlocked calmed her nerves. It was the most natural and comfortable thing to do; she felt like she’d known his touch for years.
“So, you’re going to major in art history?” he asked, interrupting her thoughts.
“Yeah. Lucy and I took an AP art history class together and we both loved it.”
“It’s not very—”
“Practical?” She kicked a small rock on the sidewalk. “You sound like my mother. She’s worried I’ll become an over-educated, unemployed art expert.She thinks art history is a degree for rich girls, like Lucy, who don’t have to worry about getting a job.”
“That’s not what I meant. I mean how can old works of art be relevant today? And don’t tell me it’s because you like looking at beautiful paintings.”
“It’s so much more than that. Studying a work of art means climbing into the historical era itself. It doesn’t matter if it’s a portrait of a powerful king or a painting showing a scene from everyday life, it captures what mattered to people from the past.” She took a quick glance at Finn, self-conscious about going on a rant. “Sorry. I got carried away.”
“No, I totally get it,” Finn said with a nod. “I feel the same way about history.” He smiled at her. “You know, I’ve never talked about any of this stuff with a girl before.”
“Well, now you have to tell me.” She was dying to know something he’d never shared with any of his girlfriends.
“Never mind,” he said, giving her hand a small squeeze. He didn’t say anything for a few moments.
“I promise I won’t tell anyone. I wouldn’t want to ruin your party boy reputation.”
Finn laughed, but it was a bitter laugh. “That’s just—well—it’s not me,” he said, his mouth set in a hard line.
This shift in mood was puzzling because Finn was always easygoing, ready with a joke or a charming smile. She’d never seen this side of him before. “Tell me. I really do want to know,” she said in a quiet voice, giving his hand an encouraging squeeze in return.
He stopped and turned to her, his face much more relaxed. “Okay, here goes.” He took a deep breath before saying, “To me, history isn’t just a chain of events that happened in the distant past; there are lessons to be learned that are relevant to the present day.” He stopped abruptly, turning to her. “Listen to me. I’m a total history nerd. No wonder none of my business major friends get why studying history matters in a world that only cares about science and technology.”
“You’re absolutely right.” Buzzing with excitement, she pointed a finger at him. It was fun to share ideas with Finn. Most of the boys she knew only wanted to talk about sports or rap music. She’d never let anyone besides Lucy and her father know how much education meant to her. Many of her friends accused her of being an overachiever, and maybe she was, but maintaining her GPA and staying on the top of the Dean’s List was necessary to achieve her educational dream. “That’s why I want to get a Ph.D. I worked my ass off to get a full scholarship to UCLA. When I get my degree, I’ll become a professor at a university and inspire students that learning about art is important for everyone. It’s what makes us human.”
“You’re going to be an awesome professor,” he said with a wide smile.
“Thanks.” She bloomed inside from his encouragement.
As they approached her brother’s old Camry, Colleen said, “I’ll drive. You and Sean have been sneaking my Dad’s beer all afternoon.”
“I’m only a little buzzed.” He reached into his pocket and took out the car keys.
Colleen stood at the car waiting for Finn to open the passenger door.
He leaned down to catch her eye. “Do you want ice cream, or would you rather talk?”
“Ice cream sounds good.”
