Sitting there listening to my professor’s voice drone on and on, I couldn’t help but daydream about Paul. It was Friday and I couldn’t wait to finish moving into the house. I was so consumed with daydreaming, that I didn’t realize class had ended.
“You ok there?”
It was Dan, he was staring at me from the open classroom door. Gathering my things, I hurried passed him into the hallway.
“Yep – peachy.”
“Hey, come on Carly. Won't you give me a chance? I just want to get to know you. You’re a beautiful girl, and I think we could be great friends.”
Spinning to face him, “Look… I appreciate that, but like I told you, I’m not looking for friends.”
“Please, just coffee?”
I sighed, this guy wouldn’t take no for an answer. “Dan, if I go have coffee with you, will you lay off?”
“YES! Thanks, Carly, you free now?”
“Sure, but let’s go to the student center – they have coffee there. Plus, I have somewhere to be in an hour. OK?”
Grabbing my arm, “Let’s go.”
Shaking free from his hold, we walked side by side. The student center was just two buildings over, so the walk was a short one.
After getting a latte, we sat at an empty table together. Sipping my coffee, I watched him. He was a good-looking guy, but I just didn’t get the cozy warm feeling I got from Paul.
“So – what made you transfer in the middle of your senior year?”
“Family matters, but it’s all good now. Now that I’m back everything will return to normal.”
“Where exactly is your family from?”
Dan shifted uneasily in his chair. The question seemingly making him nervous.
“Flint River area – but I’m the only one left. My parents died a few years back.”
“Oh – I just assumed when you said family matters you had family here. Sorry for assuming.”
“Nah, it’s all good. I am dealing with some land issues regarding my family’s estate. It’ll all work out in the end.”
“Well… tell me, what are you majoring in?”
“Business, with a minor in entertainment.”
That was so close to my degree – if I finished school. I had about a year left, and it was killing me to be here, away from Paul.
“What about you?”
“Business, with a minor in event planning. I want to be a professional party planner. You know… weddings, graduations, stuff like that.”
“Ah… have you done any event planning already?”
“Yeah, I did a huge pack… I mean family reunion,” Dan looked at me quizzically. I’d almost slipped about the wolfen pack, “also, I did my best friends uncle’s wedding – AND I am doing her wedding in… shit three weeks.”
“Wow… sounds like you’ve gotten plenty of practice. When are you done with school?”
I glanced at my phone, realizing we had spent the better part of an hour talking. The uneasy feeling had gone away, making me wonder if I’d just imagined it out of guilt. And feeling guilty was silly since Paul ignored me.
“Umm… sorry, I zoned out. What did you ask me?”
“When are you done – with school?”
“Oh, about a year. If I finish.”
“Why wouldn’t you finish?”
“Long story… but enough school talk. I am really glad I got coffee with you. Thanks for being persistent.”
“Well, I’d like to push my luck – would you consider letting me take you out on a real date.”
I sat, contemplating his request. Part of me wanted to remain loyal to Paul… or the dream of Paul. But then there was the other part – screaming at me to quit wasting my time on waiting.
“Please? Just one date?”
His smile was genuine. He was gorgeous, and it could be just the break I needed… and the push for Paul. Even though I hated to use Dan as a weapon, I wanted to do something to shake up Paul.
“You know what… Yeah – I’d love to go out with you.”
“Seriously? SO, you don’t really have a boyfriend, do you?”
“No – more like an idea of one. He just hasn’t noticed me, and I am done waiting.”
I smiled, embarrassed that I had just admitted that to another person beside Dylan.
“Well, it’s his loss. Would Saturday work?”
“I’m moving out of my dorm Saturday, but if you don’t mind meeting up late, I could make that work?”
“Perfect, where should I pick you up?”
“Actually,” I stood, “I will need to meet you there. I’m moving in with my best friend and I’m not sure she’d want company at the house. Here, let me give you my cell number.”
I reached out taking his phone, as I keyed in my number, “Don’t worry, I’m not flaking out on you. I am looking forward to a new adventure. Text or call me with the location – so I know how to dress.”
“Ok, see you Saturday if not before then.”
We walked outside together, Dan heading off towards his dorm. I was excited with the prospect of a new friendship, or maybe more. Being alone was beginning to suck.