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“I don’t know.” I murmur. “We like each other. I think that much is obvious.” She nods, confirming my beliefs. “I’m pretty sure he wants to be more, but I’m hesitant.”
Her head tilts slightly to the side. “Why though?”
I find myself stumbling with my words. “He’s, um… Well, I don’t know how much you know about how he is at school but…”
“He’s a player.” She cuts me off. “Trust me, I know. In high school, he hooked up with like half my friends.”
I wince, not exactly loving the thought of him with other girls. “Yeah – that.”
She smiles sympathetically. “I’m sorry, love. That can’t be easy to deal with.”
“It’s not. I used to not be able to stand him.”
“Really?” She asks, laughing at the idea.
I nod. “He was dating my roommate, and we did not get along.”
Jo starts laughing. “Wow. That’s crazy. How did you two end up so close then?”
“Well, it all started with having to work together on a project…”
She listens intently as I briefly explain the friendship that is me and Holden. I leave out my eating disorder, as well as any sexual details. As much as they may not be blood related, she’s still known him since he was five.
It’s nice to let it all out. The only other person I’ve talked to about Holden is Dawson. Normally I would tell my best friend, Emily, but I’ve mentioned to her how much of a man-whore he is. Therefore, I’d rather know exactly what’s going on between us before I tell her anything.
“Yeah, I don’t blame you for being cautious.” Jo says when I finish. “I would be too. However, if it helps ease your mind at all, I’ve never seen him look at someone the way he looks at you.”
I can’t fight the smile that her words bring. “It does. Thank you.”
Since then, I haven’t been able to get the idea of us being in an actual relationship out of my head. I need to get to Dawson and talk to him about it before I figure out what I’d like to say to Holden.
The last few days with him were nothing short of perfection. Between spending time with his family, smoking with his friends, and just having a carefree break, I couldn’t have dreamt of anything better. Although, Holden made it very clear that smoking is a once in a blue moon kind of thing. I called him bossy when he said it, but I know it’s only because he cares.
“What’cha thinking about?” He inquires as he looks away from the movie on his MacBook.
Reaching over, I interlace his fingers with mine. He rubs his thumb over what he can reach of my hand as soon as I do. The feeling of comfort and warmth spreads through me quickly.
“I had a really nice time this weekend.” I reply honestly.
A wide grin appears on his face. “So did I.”
Holden takes out one earbud, offering it to me so I can watch the movie with him. I put it in and lay my head on his shoulder, feeling closer to him than ever. It’s absolute bliss, and I could get used to this.
THE WEEKS LEADING UP to finals are the busiest at Dolce. Everyone is running around like a lunatic and living off caffeine in order to study. Even everyone at Kappa Delta Phi has been quiet, spending their time going over everything they’ve learned all semester.
Holden and I have both decided not to stress this week. We’re still living in post-vacation ecstasy. After this weekend, we’ll start studying and spend the next two weeks with our heads immersed in textbooks and lecture notes.
“So, are you two dating yet?!” Dawson asks excitedly. He’s asked this question every day since I told him about our weekend.
I shake my head. “I’m still thinking about it.”
He puts the lid on the drink and passes it to the customer. Finally, the crowd in here is starting to die down. Only an hour left of our shift, and then we’re both going to the party at Holden’s.
“Kayleigh, it’s been a week.” He deadpans.
“I know, I know.” I wave him off dismissively. “I’m leaning towards yes, I just don’t know what to say to him yet.”
“How about just telling him you want to be with him?”
