“Yeah ok, what it seemed like,” Robbie said, air quotes and all, “was that you were checking out the guy with Corey Richardson? I wouldn’t bother; he’s a complete a-hole.”
I flushed in indignation but then I had no come back, I had no reasonable explanation to defend him.
“Do you know her?” Robbie asked.
I frowned at him, what was he talking about? Oh, the girl?Shit.“No! Do you?”
“Yeah. Kind of. So, you don’t know her? Wait!” he looked at me speculatively. “Do you know the boyfriend?”
Ha! Oh God,whata question.
“Ugh, let’s just get out of here,” I grumbled. This was beyond awkward.
“Wait. No book?” Robbie grinned at me, enjoying watching me squirm.
“Shut up.” I said as I turned and marched away from him. He was laughing as he caught up with me; he slung his arm over my shoulder.
“So, Ari, what’s the story?” He asked. He pushed the door open and stepped out into the late afternoon sunshine. I froze. He looked down at me as he waited for me to exit.
“Don’t call me that,” I whispered. He frowned at me, I moved out into the sunshine.
“Why not? Those other guys did, I mean it’s so obvious I can’t believe I didn’t think of it before.”
“Only they call me that.” I said firmly, I didn’t want this conversation. I wanted to go home. I looked out over the quad, I wondered which way Connor went. I better be careful heading back.
“So, they are the only ones to call you a nickname?” Robbie said in disbelief. My attention swung back to him.
Huh?I nodded not really paying attention. “Yes, only my friends call me that.” I said. I knew it was the wrong thing to say instantly. Robbie stopped and looked at me, he looked pissed, to be fair, he had every reason to be.
“I’m not a friend?” His attention was fixed on me.
“I didn’t mean it like that; I mean obviously you are...”
He cut me off. “Yeah obviously I am not. God you are so frustrating Elle, you know what, I’m done. This is too much hard work and honestly, I don’t think you’re worth the effort anymore, lord knows you give nothing back.” Robbie turned and walked away.
I stared after him, he was right, I was horrible. I had told him I wasn’t interested and even though he had accepted it and said we could just be friends, I shouldn’t have let him be my friend. I didn’t want a friend and honestly, it was all just so confusing.
I turned and trudged home. When I got in, I was miserable. I changed clothes and then pulled out my books and made notes from the notes I had gotten from others for the classes I had missed. I wasn’t good at being idle, idle meant thinking time and I didn’t want to think anymore.
A few hours later as I was making a coffee, my phone chirped. It was Matt, he’d just dropped Connor and Cole at the airport and he was checking Sunday was still ok. I texted back a quick confirmation before I thought about it too much. I got a smiley face back and I felt better. He was a good friend and I was being stupid, it was important to be friends with people. I thought about Robbie, I better text him and say sorry, or I was a truly horrible person.
Me:I’m sorry I’m a miserable difficult person, I don’t like being called that and I would prefer it if you didn’t. Hope you can forgive me and I hope to see you Monday.
I didn’t have to wait for long for the response.
Robbie:Don’t sweat it, I overreacted, it’s obvious you have a history with those guys. Maybe one day you’ll tell me. Gotta go, heading out with Tommy…
Me:Party?
Robbie:Yes indeed, I’m feeling like tonight’s the night I find THE one
I groaned out loud, the only one he was going to find was an easy girl after probably too many shots.
Me:You know that’s a bad idea? You’re going to regret it in the morning!
As I typed, I was grinning.
Robbie:Don’t you know the majority of people find their true loves in college, it’s a proven fact.