CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
AUBREY
I STAYED out of trouble by studying on my own for the next couple of days. I went to class on Tuesday with my assignment finished, handed it in, and smiled to myself, proud to have completed a full week on my own. I listened avidly as my professor droned on and on. I took precise notes, confident that I could handle it.
That night, I ate dinner with Vick and Katie, one I'd whipped up for all three of us, and smiled as we chatted about what we would do with the kids during our next visit.
“We could cook for them!” Vick exclaimed. She had taken volunteering to a whole new level and was visiting them even more than I had been in the past few weeks.
“Um, they have dinner every night, girl,” Katie deadpanned. “That's legit the worst idea ever. They want to have fun when we visit.”
“Cooking can be fun. We can make something really nice and then make dessert and decorate it.” Her voice rose. “They will love it.”
I nodded. “It would be teaching them skills, and we could make it fun.”
Katie rolled her eyes. “Fine. But I hate cooking.” I laughed and moved to take my empty plate to the sink while my friends made more plans.
This was nice. This was what my summer was supposed to be.
Relaxing. Easy. Lighthearted.
We watched a show before I excused myself to get an hour of studying in before I went to sleep.
Rereading my notes for the day reaffirmed that I remembered the material and could apply it without anyone’s help.
I was independent and at peace with it.
I didn't need Jax.
I didn't need drama.
I needed distance and space to enjoy the rest of my summer.
So, when my phone beeped signaling a text, I thought I knew exactly how the conversation would happen.
Winner: See you tomorrow at 9. I have 2 hours.
Aubrey: I actually have a pretty good handle on the material this week. I appreciate all your help but I don't think we need to meet tomorrow.
Winner: Real convenient Whitfield.
I could almost hear the low rumble in his voice when I read my name. I wiggled deeper into my blankets as chills ran up my spine.
Trying my best to hold on to the peace I was feeling that evening and not let him get under my skin, I replied as nice as I could again.
Aubrey: I know we had a rough conversation the other day but this isn't about that. It really has nothing to do with convenience. I just would rather not take up your time when I understand the material.
Winner: Is that so?
Aubrey: Yes. Thank you for helping me get to this point.
I waited to see if he would respond and after a minute, I smiled when he didn't. We handled that well.
I placed my phone on the nightstand and turned out the light.
A minute later, my phone buzzed. With it, my body zinged with anticipation.
I'd have to work on getting over that, I noted to myself.