Just Friends

Chapter 16

The next morning I woke early to run before grabbing breakfast on the go so I could get to my classes on time and mentally prep for disciplined focus. I couldn't afford to let my grades continue to slip. The only things keeping me in school were academic grants I had applied for and financial aid - both of which required high GPAs.

I pulled my phone from my bag to check the time and saw Judd's reply to my text from last night.

Judd: That sounds serious, Pam. If it's about the salt in John's drink, I'm sorry. It's not personal, I'm just better at pranks than you.

I smiled at the screen almost able to hear the sarcasm in his voice and picturing him with his large hand on his chest for sympathetic emphasis.

Eva: You wish. I get a break for lunch at 12. Meet me out front of the dining commons at 12:15?

Judd: It's a date.

My cheeks blushed and heart raced as I slid my phone back into my bag.

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By 12 I was walking over to the dining hall with a pep in my step, but as I neared the large front double doors my pace slowed and reality set in.

What if things between Katie and Judd were getting serious? I couldn't just lay out my feelings for him and possibly ruin that.

No way.

I refused to make a move of any kind on another girl's man.

And oh, God.

What if I did lay it all out there and he rejected me? That would crush me too.

Maybe I needed to take a second and rethink this. I should first see how things are going with Katie. I mean I've never even asked him that before.

Damn, I've been a shitty friend.

My thoughts were interrupted as I approached the front of the building and Judd's smiling face appeared in front of me, waiting.

"Beasley, it's about time."

I laughed at his Jim impression and tried like hell to calm my racing heart. I was nervous as hell of the implications of what I had brought him here to talk about.

"Maybe I can make it up to you with a slice of pizza from the cafe. I'll stand in line to get it for you and everything," I offered in exaggerated consolation.

"Wow, what a sacrifice you're willing to make for me. I'm touched."

We strolled inside smiling like dorks at each other and got our food before sitting at a small table off to the side.

I made small talk at first, then moved on to the topic at hand.

"So... how are things with Katie?"

Judd's smile faded and he looked down to his plate with a shrug and didn't answer.

"Um... is she cool with us eating lunch together? I don't want to make her feel uncomfortable or anything."

He shook his head as he looked back up at me. "You don't have to worry about that. We, uh... we actually broke up last night."