AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yeah, yeah. I am. Good to see you, Cassia.”
“You too,” I say, drinking more of my coffee.
“I should get going too.” Robby finishes the smoothie sitting in front of him. He glances at me and grins. “You guys mighthave changed my opinion on long-term relationships being boring.”
“Sanderson,” Holden snaps.
Robby chuckles. “Bye, guys.”
As soon as Robby is out of the kitchen, I drop my face in my hands. “Fuck,” I groan.
“Here.” I glance up to see Holden setting a plate of steaming eggs down in front of me. “This will help with your headache.”
“Thanks.” I pick up the fork and stab a piece. “Do you have anything for the humiliation of knowing Robby heard us last night?”
Holden smirks. “If it helps, there’s a long list of stuff I can tell you Sanderson has done that’s way more embarrassing than having sex.”
“Still, I was loud.”
His grin widens. “I didn’t mind.”
“Of course you didn’t.”
Holden helps himself to his own plate of eggs.
“What time is your practice thingy?”
“Myweight sessionis at eight.”
“Do you have a morning class?” he asks.
I nod. “Yeah. Genetics. Plus a meeting with my class advisor before.”
“Fall semester just started.”
“I know. But different vet schools have different requirements. I have to make certain I’ve completed all the necessary classes for anywhere I’m applying. Next semester is my last chance, if I haven’t.”
Holden nods, then continues eating.
Our plan for the future has always been some version of wait and see. Wait and see where I get into vet school. Wait and see if he gets drafted, which now has the added complication of his status this season.
Look at all of our options and then decide.
It’s really the only option. Once my applications have been submitted and his final season is over, our roles in shaping our futures will be over and everything will be beyond our control. Which is freeing and terrifying, all at once.
Once we’re both finished eating, Holden leans closer.
I wait for him to say something serious. About next year or about my mini-meltdown yesterday. Some assurance everything will be okay or a plea to revert to my responsible self.
Instead, he grins. “Last night was fun. Can I get your number?”
I start laughing, then push him to the side so I can reach my glass of coffee again. I can feel the warmth in my cheeks.
Last night was out of character for me on several levels.
Most of the time, being steadfast and mature suits me. It’s gotten me to this place where I’ve accomplished a lot and have a promising future.
But as long as I can remember, Holden has been the person who draws out the reckless streak I didn’t even know existed. Being sensible can also be exhausting.
