“Oh, bummer.”
“I can come over after work if you want.”
“Yeah, that’s good,” I said. “Jocelyn has backed off a bit.”
“I talked to her, and she said it wasn’t her that did it.”
“She’s lying, but I don’t want to argue about it.”
“I don’t either. I’ve missed you too.”
“Text me when you’re on your way over.”
“I will.”
“Talk to you tonight.”
“Soon…” she said then ended the call.
I put the phone down and glanced across the Quad, a grassy area with walkways between four buildings on campus. Students came to sit under trees and study or talk. Personally, I came to think about life and watch other people.
Resting my back against the trunk of a giant sycamore tree, I interlaced my fingers behind my head and wondered if Brooke might be the one. She made me crazy in so many ways, but I hadn’t been able to go two full days without hearing her voice.
An alarm on my phone buzzed, letting me know it was time for class. I grabbed my backpack by the strap and stood up. Slinging it over one shoulder, I walked toward the Mathematics building.
* * *
After practice that evening, I rushed home, wanting to make my room a bit more romantic before she came over. I’d never done anything like that for the many women I’d dated or slept with over the last two years in college.
Brooke was special. The thought had started deep down in my mind, so silent, but over time it had risen in volume. Now, I found it hard to go even an hour without thoughts of her popping up. Our memories were few but intense.
When I walked in the front door, I saw Brian and Teddy sitting on the couch. What was unusual about the situation is that they were studying and not playing a game. I wondered briefly if I should just go upstairs and mind my own business, but I stayed and cleared my throat.
“Hey, fellas. What’s up?” I asked, trying to sound normal.
“Oh, hey, Austin. You’re home early.”
“Yeah, Brooke is coming over tonight. I want to do the room up right.”
“You need lights,” Brian said, surprising both Teddy and me.
We looked at him sitting on the couch.
“Christmas lights. They’re classic and set a mood. That and music.”
Damn, he did know how to talk!
“Thanks, Brian. You don’t happen to have any extra Christmas lights, do you?”
He smiled and nodded his head.
“Sweet.”
“Can you get them for me now? She’s coming over soon.”
“Sure,” Brian said.
“Have you guys heard what they’re saying about me online?” I asked as we walked into Brian’s room. He and Teddy shared. It was pretty basic with another TV on one wall. But it had a crack, which is why they constantly played downstairs.