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She nods.
I nod back.
Then I keep walking.
CHAPTERFIVE
CASSIA
“Hey.”
My crossed arms drop as I turn to watch Brooks run a hand through his shaggy hair. He’s smiling, a grin that’s half-surprised, half-pleased.
“Hey,” I echo, tugging on the hem of my shirt.
The sun is steadily sinking, the air chilling with its disappearance. I discovered my hasty packing didn’t include tossing a sweatshirt into my bag. Continuing to rub my arms will draw unwanted attention to that mistake.
I’m not close enough with any of the girls here to ask them to borrow something. Asking Holden is…complicated. And taking another guy’s clothes isn’t an option.
“I was hoping we’d run into each other again,” Brooks says. He’s still smiling. “Didn’t think it’d be here, out in the middle of nowhere.”
His tone is light, but there’s a question in his probing gaze. Possibly because I literally ran off from our last conversation. Probably because he’s since heard some version of why I did that paints me as pathetic or cowardly or both.
“I, uh, I didn’t realize you’d be here either.” Realizing that sounded unfriendly, I quickly add, “Not that it’s not nice to see you again. I just didn’t realize camping is what you meant by sticking around.”
His grin broadens. He’s either one of those perennially optimistic people or genuinely happy to see me. “I came back to campus early for training with a professor. I’m supposed to be his TA for the fall semester. The day I arrived, his daughter was rushed to the hospital to have her tonsils removed. She’s fine, but he’s spending a few days at home. It was either sit on campus or come hang out with Finn. Basically just along for the ride of what he’s up to.”
I nod. “What class are you TAing for?”
“Organic Chemistry.”
I blink at him. “Seriously?”
“Yeah.” His smile turns sheepish. “I like a challenge.”
“Sounds more like you’re a masochist.”
Brooks laughs. “Yeah. I’ve heard that before. It’s not as bad as people say.”
“I know. I took it.”
“Oh, yeah? What’s your major?”
“Biology. I’m pre-vet.”
“What year did you take Org Chem?”
“Uh, freshman.”
He blinks at me. “You passed Org Chem as afreshman?”
“Passed?” I grin. “Got an A.”
“Impressive.”
“Thank you.”
We’re drawing attention, I realize belatedly, registering the curious side glances aimed our way.
