Mondays are notorious for sucking, but this one in particular has me wanting to climb back in bed and I’ve only been awake for twenty minutes. I’ve been sick for most of the week and through the weekend. I had to miss two days of school and one shift at work.

In our game on Friday I played half of what I usually do. I was weak kneed by the end. Fortunately, my teammates picked up the slack and it was another W in the books. I spent most of the weekend resting and catching up on missed schoolwork.

Glancing in the mirror one last time, I smooth a hand over my ponytail and ignore my pallid skin. I grab my backpack from the desk chair and shove my phone in the back pocket of my jeans. Closing the door behind me, I jiggle the handle to make sure it’s locked and then hurry down the hall. Glancing at my watch I notice I won’t have time to stop for a coffee on the way. Shit. I could really use the caffeine today. If Professor Gordon drones on and on, I might end up doing a faceplant on my desk.

Stepping outside, the air is cooler than usual. I’m glad I went with jeans and a hoodie. We’re into the last week of September and the morning temperatures are starting to cool off and will be trending lower on the thermometer with each passing day. I don’t even want to think about winter and how horrible it will be walking to classes in the snow and freezing cold.

Starting down the sidewalk, I blend in with the crowd of morning commuters filtering out of the T station. I moan longingly as I pass the coffee shop Trevor and I went to. I’d kill for a coffee, especially if it meant spending time with him.

I spent a fair share of the days I was laid up thinking about him. I missed work Thursday night, so I didn’t get to see him. Forcing myself to be honest about my feelings wasn’t easy, but I finally admitted to myself how much I missed talking to him. Whether we’re arguing or getting along, I’m energized from his company. And the way he looks at me makes me feel special - the way he used to look at me. The last two times I’ve seen him he barely glanced my way and it was painfully obvious how he avoided talking to me. It hurt when he acted so distant. I never realized how much I’d come to rely on him being there. Did I expect him to hang around forever when I’ve given him no reason to?

When I pass through the doorway to my class, I can’t remember most of the walk there. I spent the ten minutes lost in a fog of regrets, but there’s nothing I can do about it now. I need to focus on my schoolwork and revisit these thoughts once I’m back in my dorm.

Sinking down into my usual chair, I notice Trevor seated next to me. I don’t know why I’m so surprised to see him there. I guess I imagined he might return to where he used to sit now that we’ve had a falling out.

“Hey, Grace.” He smiles and my eyes automatically scrutinize him. Why is he being so nice? Is this a trap? Did he put something gross on my chair and now I’ve sat on it? “Here, this is for you.” He places a coffee cup on my desk. I eye it like it’s an alien lifeform that could attack me at any moment. “Don’t be scared. It’s black, just how you like.”

“Is this a trick? Did you put salt or pepper in my coffee?” He grins and I can’t tell if he’s laughing at my accusation or at the joke he’s pulling on me. “Is there something even worse in there?”

His smile widens. “I promise there’s nothing but coffee in this cup. I wouldn’t prank you like that. Owen or Clancy on the other hand…”

I flash him a wide smile. How nice of him to do this. “Thank you.” Raising my cup of coffee, I take a sip and groan at the rich taste. “This is unexpected and appreciated and necessary this morning.”

“You didn’t sleep well?”

“Not at all.”

“Your dad told me you were sick. Are you all recovered yet?”

“Yeah, thanks for asking. I’m much better than I was.”

The professor enters the room preventing any more words being shared. My eyes sweep over, studying Trevor under my fringe of lashes. I can’t believe he brought me a coffee. What’s changed since Saturday night? Why is he being so nice?

Professor Gordon begins lecturing and I occupy myself with note taking and do my best to take in the information. I love hearing about the Revolutionary War, but today I find myself struggling to absorb the details. Thankfully, my fingers are on auto-pilot as I hear the words and type the necessary points on my keyboard. I’m not going to remember any of this. My mind is occupied with the tall, dark, and devastatingly handsome guy next to me and it remains that way until we’re dismissed.

We walk down the hallway side by side, close enough for our arms to touch. Each brush of our skin causes a hum of excitement to race through me.

“Want to grab a bite to eat with me?” Trevor asks.

“No, sorry. I can’t right now.” His eyebrows lower in a slight scowl. Crap. He thinks I’m making an excuse. I briefly place my hand on his arm and glance over at him. “I really can’t. I’m not just saying that. My dad’s short staffed and needs me to help out until closing.”

“Okay, maybe another time.” He seems appeased by my explanation.

We step outside into the sunshine and I pause on the edge of the sidewalk, digging in my bag for my shades. I slip them over my eyes and jerk my head to the right. “I have to grab the train. I’ll see you soon?” Why did that come out like a question? He smiles, and I know he heard the hopeful tone in my voice.

“Yep, we’ll see each other soon. Be careful on the T. Don’t talk to any strange men and don’t sit next to anyone.”

“Trevor, I’ve been riding the T since I was fourteen. I’m a big girl.”

“I’m not saying you aren’t. But can’t I be concerned for your safety?”

“Sure you can, but it’s not necessary. I gotta run before I miss my train and my dad gives me an earful.”

“See ya.”

“Bye.” I wave, scurrying off in the opposite direction.

“I don’t know about you guys, but I’m dying for some real food. Want to go out to eat?” Amelia asks as she scrapes her wet hair back into a ponytail.

“Oh, great idea. If I have to eat cafeteria food one more time today I might throw up. The spaghetti at lunch didn’t sit so well.” Leah places one hand on her stomach and the other over her mouth. She’s so animated it makes me laugh.

“I know and it’s only Tuesday. We still have the rest of the week to go. Wonder what disgusting concoctions they’ll come up with?” Amelia wrinkles her nose and sticks her tongue out.

Dressing in a clean pink t-shirt, I grab my brush and walk around to the bathroom part of our locker room. Standing in front of the sink, I twist my freshly showered hair up into an elastic on top of my head. Hot water from the running showers has steam beading up on the mirror. Using my damp towel, I wipe the glass and glance at my hair once more. I’m about to leave when Trevor’s name catches my ear. Kerry and Lisette, two of my teammates, are in the side by side showers discussing him. Pausing, I crane my head to hear them better.

“He’s been so different lately. I haven’t seen him with a girl in months. What do you think’s going on with him?”

“Maybe he’s on steroids and he can’t get it up?” I cover my mouth and smother the laugh before it can escape. Trevor is definitely not on steroids and I know firsthand his equipment is all in working order.

“Seriously though, I don’t get it. How do you go from a playboy, party animal to a monk in a matter of months? And what’s the motivation?”

“I don’t know. Maybe he likes someone and he wants to make a good impression.”

“Trevor Lincoln?” she snorts. “Come on.”

“Stranger things have happened. Look at his brother. He did the same thing.”

“Shit. Maybe you’re right. I wonder who the lucky girl is.”

I return to the locker room side of the space before they finish up and catch me eavesdropping. Has Trevor really not been screwing around? I haven’t seen him with anyone besides Sandy and he was adamant nothing happened with her. I hope he’s changed his ways. I won’t allow myself to hope I could be the reason. Guys like Trevor Lincoln don’t do things for no reason. There has to be more to the story.

Bending down, I groan and pick up my dirty practice clothes. Shoving them and the towel I used into my sport sac, I glance at my friends. “What was up with Coach today? He kicked our asses up and down the field.”

“He needs to get laid,” Leah quips.

I laugh and slap her five as I straighten up. “True story.” Amelia giggles like a good sport. It has to suck to be in love with someone and not be able to be with them. Especially when they’re around each other all the time. Talk about blue balls. “How would you guys like to go to my family’s restaurant for dinner? I know I can get my vegan options and my dad will cook for us.”

“I’d love to eat there,” Amelia replies.

Leah claps her hands. I’m not convinced she wasn’t a former cheerleader, no matter how much she denies it every time I’ve asked. “Hell, yes. I’ve been waiting for an invite.”

We gather up our things and sling our bags over our shoulders, leaving the locker room. We each wave as we pass Coach in the hallway. He’s mid discussion with Mark, our head coach, so we don’t exchange any words, but I notice the softening of his expression when he sees Amelia. I hope someday a boy will have a special expression for me. Something that no one else gets to see. And I can have one for him too. Immediately, Trevor’s face pops into my head and I push the thought back. Just because he brought me a coffee yesterday morning doesn’t mean he wants more than friendship. Time will tell where we’re headed.

We start down the sidewalk from the stadium toward the T station. The three of us are starving and make short work of it. Within ten minutes we’re seated on the train and headed toward Somerville.

“How’s Trevor working out at the restaurant?” Amelia asks.

“He’s doing a good job so far. He’s only working two nights a week and I was sick most of last week. He had an extra football practice last night and work so it’s really too soon to say. I’ll see how he does once the honeymoon period wears off. That’s when I’ll begin to see his true work ethic.”

“You don’t think he has a solid work ethic?” Leah frowns.

“I don’t know. Why would he need one? Daddy can open a lot of closed doors for him.”

“Have you ever watched one of the boys’ team’s practices? Trevor is a beast. The only one who gives him a run for his money as far as going above and beyond is Owen. Those two work like they’re possessed.” I find it interesting to hear this. Of course Leah could’ve caught him on an unusually good day.

The doors open at our stop and we step out into the early evening air. “This way guys,” I direct them to the right. “It’s not far now.” We walk for two more blocks before we come upon the red lit sign.

“Davis Square Cafe,” Leah says. “I like that name. It looks great all lit up.”

“Thank you. My mom came up with the idea because of the location. Come on, dinner awaits.” I push the door open and the first thing my eyes land on is Trevor Lincoln. I scowl. What’s he doing here? It’s not that I’m not happy to see him. Okay, I’m not happy to see him right now because he’s not supposed to be working. Carla, one of our other employees, is. Why didn’t my father call me and tell me he needed help?

I lead the girls over to my favorite booth tucked into the back corner and we get comfortable on the red vinyl seats.

Amelia studies me carefully. “Did you know Trevor was working? Is that why you wanted to come?”

“No. I’m not sure why he’s working this shift.”

“Well look who’s here. You girls just made my night by walking in. What can I get for you?”

“I’d love a giant, ice cold soda. We just got the crap kicked out of us in practice,” Leah explains.

“Zeke was in a bad mood, huh? Blue balls will do that to a guy.” He aims his gaze in my direction. Why’s he looking at me? I’m not giving him blue balls. Am I?

“That’s funny, we said something similar about his behavior,” Leah tells him.

“What would you two like to drink?”

“I’ll take a large diet soda, please,” Amelia drums her fingers on the tabletop.

“I’d love an ice water with lemon, thanks.” My eyes haven’t left his face the entire time he’s been standing beside our table. He notices and smiles. I find myself echoing the gesture back before I realize it.

“Do you guys know what you want to eat or do you want more time to look over the menu?” He asks.

“I want a large garden salad and tell my dad to throw a bean curd burger on for me.” Trevor grimaces as he writes it down and then looks to Amelia.

“I’d like a cheeseburger medium-well with extra bacon, lettuce, and tomato. Can I get a pickle with that and french fries too?”

“Damn, now I see why you and Zeke work so well,” Trevor jokes, jotting it down. No one knows where Amelia puts the copious amounts of food she ingests. She’s tall and leanly muscled. With all the training we do for football there’s not a spare inch of fat on her. “What about you, Leah?” He waits with the pencil poised over the pad.

“I’d like a chocolate frappe, an order of onion rings, and a turkey club.”

“Solid choice,” he comments, adding it to the order. “I’ll be right back with your drinks, ladies.” He winks, his mouth edging upward in a quick grin and walks toward the kitchen. I watch his backside until he’s out of sight.

“Damn, that boy’s smile is wicked and adorable all rolled together,” Leah offers. She’s absolutely right. It’s both of those things wrapped in a tempting package promising a good time.

Rising to my feet, I step out of the booth. “I’ll be right back. I want to say hi to my dad.” When I open the kitchen door I’m surprised to find Trevor and my dad dancing and singing about fat bottomed girls. My father holds the spatula up like a microphone and Trevor does some slick dance move that has his hips thrusting in a way that should only be seen in a bedroom.

What the fuck is going on?

I cross my arms over my chest and paste a chastising expression on my face. “So this is what goes on when I’m not here.” Both of them freeze and peer over their shoulders at me with wide eyes. I stroll forward, mouth pursed disapprovingly. “Dad, your lip syncing was spot on, but your dancing needs some work.” He chuckles.

Trevor steps forward, pausing in front of me. “What about me, Red?” He leans closer. “Did you like my dance moves?”

I poke my index finger against his solid chest. “Your hips shouldn’t be allowed out in public.”

He catches my hand, smiling crookedly. “That good, huh?”

I shrug and tip my head toward my shoulder. “Maybe.”

He raises our joined hands and twirls me around once. “I wasn’t even trying. If I knew you were watching I would’ve given it my all.” I can’t imagine what his all entails. I don’t know if I’d be able to handle it. Thinking about his pelvis thrusting is not something I want to do with my father here as a witness. I tug my hand free and direct my attention to dad. Time for a change of subject.

“Why didn’t you call me and ask me to come in?”

“Because I knew you had practice and you worked extra yesterday to help out. Besides, when I called Trevor he was available. You don’t need to handle it all on your own, Fireball. It’s okay to depend on other people. If you don’t know that, then your mom and I haven’t done a very good job of teaching you.”

“I do know that, but I like to handle things myself, Dad. Only child syndrome, I guess.”

Dad makes a shooing motion with his hands. “Go sit down with your friends. We’ve got control of everything back here.” Rising on my tiptoes I kiss his cheek before turning around. I’m almost to the door when my father calls my name.

I look over my shoulder. “Yes?”

“I’m proud of you. You’re a good daughter to care about the business so much.”

“I care about you, Dad, and I know how much this place means to you.” He smiles as I pass through the door and head back out to my friends.

I study Trevor as he drives. His large hands capably grip the black leather steering wheel. flexing the muscles in his forearms. Those same agile hands catch a football in high pressure situations and yet at times have touched me so gently. The more times we’re together, I realize there’s so much more to him than I originally thought. I pegged him as a spoiled, rich kid, and that was a gross generalization on my part. At my age I should know better than to make snap judgements without knowing someone. I’m ashamed at how horrible I’ve treated him.

My gaze drifts down to his muscular thighs in his worn jeans before slowly climbing his flat stomach and pausing to drool over his defined right bicep and tricep. His fitted t-shirt shows them off as he guides the car safely through the early evening traffic. There isn’t an unattractive part on him. And as gorgeous as he is on the outside, his character is even more impressive. He’s clearly shown me what kind of man he is, and I’ll have to find a way to prove I’m not the shallow, judgemental girl I’ve been acting like. Gliding my eyes upward over his shoulder and the side of his neck they freeze when they meet Trevor's amused stare.

Embarrassed at being caught studying him, I snap my head forward and realize he’s pulled over in front of our dorm. I was so busy ogling him I didn’t even notice. “It’s really nice of you to give us a ride home,” I blurt out.

“I’m glad to give you a ride anytime you want.” Leah and Amelia snicker in the backseat and my cheeks flush.

The three of us exit the car, Leah and Amelia shout out a quick thank you and head for the door without me.

“Have a good night, Grace.” Trevor smiles endearingly.

“You too. Thanks for helping my dad out, and for the ride.”

“You don’t need to thank me. I told you I’m happy to help.” So many thoughts rush to the forefront of my brain and get lost in a mad jumble of insecurity and indecision. As much as I want to tell him I’m sorry, standing on the sidewalk in front of my building is not the right time or place.

“See you in class.” I shut the door and sling my sport bag over my shoulder as I amble on tired legs toward the entrance of my building. Once I’m inside I don’t look back, but I see Trevor pull away in my periphery. As I round the corner to the main hallway, Leah and Amelia are leaning against the wall.

“Well?” Amelia queries.

“What?”

She sighs, “Did he ask you out?”

“No. I thanked him again and that was about it.”

“Crap, I was hoping he’d put the moves on you,” Leah says bluntly.

“Well, he didn’t.” Why do I feel so disappointed?