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“It’s so sweet how you guys are still friends,” Kyla commented, spinning her pen, as I freed myself from Dexter’s embrace.
“Of course.” He widened his impossibly long-lashed eyes. “That connection doesn’t just go away. In fact, I’m writing a song to celebrate this friendship.”
“Awwwww.” Everyone beamed, basking in the cuteness.
“Dex! Wow.” I pasted on a bright smile. “First I’ve heard of it.”
“Come to my band’s show next month and you’ll all hear it.” Dexter spread his hands, including the whole lounge in his invitation. “Second Friday in February…we’re on at eleven…I know Christina will be there.”
“Yup,” Nate piped up. “She’ll have so much free time since she’s not bringing snacks anymore.”
“Yeah, Christina didn't bring food today,” Kyla whined.
“No snacks?” Dexter shook his head at me like he'd never heard such a thing. “Christina, why didn't you?”
“You guys —” Allison unzipped her bag. “Quit complaining. I have mints.”
“Mints aren't filling,” Nate said.
Allison rooted around in her bag, came up with nothing, and zipped it shut. “Soyoubring snack next time.”
“’Scuse me!” I reached past Dexter to grab my purse. “I forgot something. I’ll be right back.”
I ran down the stairs before he, or anyone else, could argue.
Outside, I jogged to the secluded spot where I’d talked with Marcus. The sun was low in the sky. My hat and scarf were in the lounge, left behind in my rush. Dots of snow brushed my cheeks and melted on my hands.
Hidden between the buildings, I glimpsed people walking through the quad. Eventually Dexter strolled past, calling to someone ahead as he arranged his scarf. He sipped from a paper coffee cup. He didn’t think to look down this hidden alley and see me as I pulled out my phone.
Leaning my head against the cold stone wall of the English building, I dialed.
The number rang and rang until it went to voicemail. I hung up. Pivoting, I held the phone over the pulse in my neck.
When it buzzed, I jumped. Fumbling the screen with chilled fingers, I put the phone to my ear.
“Hey.” My voice came out breathy. I swear on everything good and true, it wasn’t on purpose.
“You called?”
Patrick’s calm tone made me shiver in a way that had nothing to do with the cold. I should have texted him, but what I had to say was too private for a screen.
“Look.”I cleared my throat,reaching for my excuse to talk to him. “I’ve been going back and forth about seeing you tonight, because…”
When I trailed off, he didn’t fill the gap, and the words rushed out of my mouth before I was ready.
“Because I'm on my period.”
Snow tickled my eyelashes and melted under my coat collar.
“And?” he prompted.
“It's been a couple days already, but I just wasn't sure if I could…be with you. I want to. I’ve just never done anything during this time.”
“Christina.” His voice caressed me, making me dizzy. I leaned against the cold wall for support. “You don't have to come over tonight. Just come to me an extra night next week. I have no problem with screwing you senseless three days in a row.”
“I’d rather come tonight.”
“Why?”
