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“I asked you if you want to go for coffee after this.” She purses her lips, crossing her arms as she stares at me with concern. “Are you okay?”
I quickly stand, nearly tripping over my bag. “Absolutely fine,” I say, but the quiver in my voice says otherwise. “Coffee sounds great.”
I follow her out the door, happy to see that Lauren and Josh are nowhere to be found. Although, my happiness doesn’t last for long as I exit the class and find Josh waiting for me. He stands opposite the door with Lauren nowhere in sight. His arms are crossed and he gestures with a curt nod for me to come over.
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” Charlie asks while grabbing my arm and tugging me toward her.
“Oh, stay out of this, Charlie,” says Josh with an eye roll. “This doesn’t concern you.”
“Oh, yes it does.”
“Charlie,” I say while holding up my hands and stepping between her and Josh. “It’s fine.”
“No, it’s not fine.” Charlie stomps her foot. “I don’t want you alone with him.”
“I won’t be alone.” I gesture to the passing students around us. “Why don’t you wait at the doors and I’ll be with you in five minutes.”
Charlie bites her lip, glancing between me and Josh for a minute. “Five minutes,” she repeats. “That’s all you get. And then I’m dragging your ass far away from him.”
“Got it.” I salute her and watch her head toward the doors, which are about ten feet away. I feel her eyes as I trudge toward Josh, not really understanding myself why I’m giving him the time of day. Every interaction I’ve had with him since that night has been completely terrible. I trust him not to do anything in front of an audience, however I doubt I will like what he has to say.
“Alright, Josh,” I say while crossing my arms. “Make it fast.”
Josh smiles, yet it reminds me of a snake, one about to strike and sink its venom deep inside me. “That was weird, huh?”
My eyes narrow. “What was weird?” Irritation boils within me and already I’m regretting this little chat we’re having.
“You know.”
I stare at him as if he’s suddenly sprouted horns and five heads.
“The whole thing between you, me, and Lauren.”
“Yeah,” I drawl. “Totally weird.”
He stares at me as if he’s expecting me to say more. I make a point of checking the time on my phone, already bored of this interaction. Josh sighs, the sound enunciating his frustration. “I was just wondering if you have any ideas of what to do about it.”
I raise an eyebrow. “What?”
“You know. Are you going to switch classes? Maybe dump this one?”
I shake my head, wanting to smack him for how arrogant he sounds. Me? Change classes? Of course, I was considering it, but he didn’t have to know that. And why do I have to do anything? I don’t know why, but rather than words, I erupt into a fit of giggles.
“I don’t see how this is funny.”
“It isn’t,” I agree. “I just think it’s hilarious how you have the audacity to ask me to switch classes.”
Josh sighs and I can see he’s struggling very hard to keep himself from rolling his eyes. “I don’t see how this is going to work, Rachel. Especially given all those lies you said about me.”
“They weren’t lies!” I shout.
Now, Josh rolls his eyes. “Please, Rachel. Drop the class. It’ll be best for the both of us.”
“No, it would be the best for you.” I lean toward him, my rage boiling and nearly erupting. “What’s the matter, Josh? Feel guilty every time you see my face?”
Josh scoffs. “Why would I feel guilty? I didn’t do anything. Not to mention, you don’t have any proof.”
“You’re right, I don’t have any proof,” I say while nodding. “So why don’t you stay away from me. I think that would be the best for the both of us. Actually,” I add, “why don’t you leave Lauren alone? You and I both know you’re just going to be an ass to her.”
