AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Andrew.
How the fuck had he gotten out of the library quickly enough to meet me on the stairs?
The bright sunny smile he gave me made my stomach knot.
I was out of time.
“Hey, Kaya! Just the girl I was looking for. I was going to come and meet you and Gemma at the cafe after I retrieved my phone from my mate Carly. I left it in class and she grabbed it for me.“
So, you’ve been avoiding a perfectly innocuous Carly in the library.NotAndrew.
“Oh, yeah? Unfortunately, I don’t have a lot of time to chat today. I’m headed straight for the center.“
I worked at a center for displaced women and children several hours a week. It was a temporary stop before we could find them more permanent placement. Unfortunately, it meant a lot of kids were displaced from school. And even if they did have work they could do, they didn’t have their usual support networks.
My job was to provide some of that support. Helping kids with homework, playing video games, doing art projects. I loved it, but it took a lot of my time. Ruined a lot of nights out.
He licked his lips nervously. “Okay. I just wanted to ask you about my department’s drinks meetup this Friday. I know you said you might come.“
I tried not to grind my teeth. Saying Imightgo was being generous. I had said something along the lines of ‘That sounds like fun.’ I knew a myriad of ways to get out of things.
After all, I’d had lots of practice. I knew how to appear just available enough but never too available. Friendly, but not looking to make friends. I kept my circle small. These were tricks of the trade I’d learned young.
“Did I?“
He gave me a sheepish smile. “Okay, maybe not, but it’ll be fun. And you never go out or do anything fun.“
“Not true. You, Gems, and I went out on Wednesday. We had pizza and a pint, remember?“
“Yeah, but that was a study group thing.“
Everyone had to take a basic coding class before they graduated. And Gemma and I had opted to take it this year, our second year, to try and get it out of the way. Andrew had taken the course the year before, so he had helped us.
“Andrew, I’m sorry I can’t. I’m at the center on Friday.“
His brows furrowed. “They can do without you foronenight. Besides, I’ve already told everyone you’re coming.“
I hated being put on the spot. It was my least favorite thing. Growing up, I’d never been allowed to tell the truth. I’d learned to tell half-truths and sneak about. So as a grown-up, I learned to love the truth.
“Andrew, I’m sorry. Why don’t you go with Gemma?“ The two of them would actually make a great couple. Someone like Gemma would be good for him.Notsomeone like me.
The furrow between his bushy brows sank even deeper. “Right. You know, for months I’ve been trying to work up the nerve to ask you out.“
And there it was, the truth of it, right there on the steps of the library.
And I didn’t want to look at it. “Andrew…“
“No, don’t. You act like you like me, but you’re just playing with me, aren’t you?“
Remember, you don’t want to hurt him.
I had to give myself that reminder because the sharper thought on my tongue would eviscerate him.
“Andrew, I’ve always been very clear with you that we’re mates. I’ve always been very clear with you that I’m not looking for anything.Anykind of relationship, have I not?”
And yes, my tone was clipped. But it couldn’t be helped. He was forcing my hand and bringing chaos with him.
I just wanted a simple, content life. Why was that so hard?
