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Brooks knows I have a boyfriend. I know he knows I have a boyfriend. Clear lines have been drawn between us and any possibilities. But it also feels like he knows too much, and so it seems smart to continue redrawing them.
Rather than nod, I turn so I’m fully facing him. “Brooks, you seem like a really nice guy. And I’m sorry about what happened with Bailey. But we don’t really know each other.Myrelationship withmyboyfriend is none of your business. And things willalwaysbe okay between me and Holden. I’m sorry if I ever gave you the impression otherwise.”
Brooks is already shaking his head, looking so apologetic Ialmostwish I’d just nodded. Almost.
“I’m sorry, Cassia. You’re right, it’s none of my business.”
I hate confrontation, and I avoid it. I’m proud of myself for saying exactly what I was thinking for once, even if it’s landed me in this awkward situation.
“All good,” I say.
We reach the register, which is a relief.
I gesture for Brooks to order first. “I’m still deciding.”
He goes ahead and orders an iced coffee—black.
My usual order.
After a forced minute of deliberation, I opt for the same.
“Can’t go wrong,” he comments, his smile tentative.
I smile back and nod.
I already knew Brooks and I were similar. Some common coincidences—like our science majors. And then little ones—like our limited sexual experience and avoiding alcohol. I’m not sure the second one applies to me lately. It used to, though. Sydney is the only other person I have those two things in common with, and she’s my best friend. And she would have ordered the pink, frothy drink being promoted on the chalkboard.
I think if I still believed in ideals, he’d look a lot like mine.
My phone buzzes, and I pull it out to see a message from Holden.
HOLDEN: Finished with practice. Are you free?
I gnaw on my bottom lip for a few seconds, debating my answer.
CASSIA: I’m at Daily Grind. Grabbing a coffee and then was going to study in the library…
HOLDEN: I’m almost to the student center. Be right there.
CASSIA: Okay.
CASSIA: Ran into Brooks here.
The dots take a few seconds to appear.
HOLDEN: Okay.
There’s not much to read into that response, so I pocket my phone and pull out my credit card to pay. Brooks tries to add my coffee onto his order but doesn’t push when I insist on paying for myself.
“How is TAing going?” I ask.
Brooks groans. “I jumped at the chance to leave campus for the weekend. I think that conveys the gist of it.”
I smile. “It’ll get better.”
“Or worse.”
My grin grows. “Is this the first time you’ve visited Richmond?”
