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“It’s fine.” I smile tightly while my hand scrambles for the door handle. “I’m fine.”
“You’re sure? I can call the girls or Millie or?—”
“No, no!” Forcing myself to inhale a deep breath, I lift my eyes to his. “We knew today would come to an end eventually.”
“I’ll find a way to come over tonight.”
“You will?” My heart soars.
“Yeah.” He leans over and steals a kiss. “You’re my girl now, Red. Nothing will keep me away.”
* * *
Elliot didn’t come over.
I woke to an empty room and a sense of dread. But for the first time since my father’s death, I don’t allow myself to stay in bed and wallow. Instead, I force myself into the shower and get ready for a day of classes.
I’m sure Elliot has a good reason for being a no show, and I’m sure he’ll tell me when he’s ready.
At least I hope?—
My phone vibrates and I hurry to snatch it up, failing to withhold my nervous laugh when I see Elliot’s name.
Elliot: Sorry I didn’t show last night. Family stuff.
My brows furrow. It’s not quite the explanation I hoped for, but I can’t expect him to share everything with me straight away. Revealing the deepest, darkest parts of yourself to another person takes time and trust.
Abigail: That’s alright. I hope everything’s okay?
Elliot: It will be.
My teeth worry my bottom lip as I consider my reply. Clearly, he doesn’t want to talk about it. And I don’t want to come across as pushy or needy. But I also don’t know the rules here.
Before I can reply though, there’s a knock at my door.
I hurry over and check the peephole before opening it.
“Ethan.” I frown. “What are you doing here?”
“I thought I’d see if you want to get breakfast.”
“How did you get in here? Bronte is a girls’ only dorm.”
“Relax. No one is going to say anything on a Monday morning. So what do you say?”
“Sorry, what?”
“To breakfast? No strings, I promise.” He lifts up his hands in surrender.
“Don’t you have other people you could eat breakfast with?”
“Of course I do. But I’m asking you.”
“I… I’m not sure that’s a good idea.” I might not know the rules around keeping things a secret with Elliot, but it doesn’t feel right having breakfast with another boy.
“What? Why?” Hurt flashes in his expression. “It’s just breakfast, Abi. We’ve got to walk right past the cafeteria to get to our first class anyway, so what’s the big deal?”
“I… Fine.”
