Meet Me Half Way

Chapter 25

Trust. Why is trust so hard to give and receive? Humans are all wired differently when it comes to trust. Some trust too much, and some don't trust at all. I want to say that I've met one person in my life whom I could say something, and I knew they wouldn't say a word. I knew my secret or rant was safe. I knew because of trust. Trusting someone is a 50/50 chance. You might be okay, or it might completely fuck you over.

I haven't seen Luke in a couple of days. He wasn't at the library yesterday or this morning. So I found myself walking to his dorm building. I had to cross the bridge, passing many nursing students on the way. It was hot out today. I think everyone I passed was wearing shorts with a tee shirt. I readjusted Spencer's RayBans that he let me borrow while he was away, tinting the world in a shade of red.

For the first time, I felt nervous talking to Luke. I'd have to tell him that Spencer and I are dating, but that's what he wanted anyway. It's not like he felt the same way toward me, so he'll probably be happy to hear the news.

It took me a moment to remember Luke's room number. I was a little nervous that I would end up knocking on some random kid's door. Luke's residence hall was different from mine. I lived in a traditional-style dorm while Luke and Spencer lived in suite style, meaning it was a lot nicer than mine. Everything was newly renovated, with crisp-looking furniture and bright walls. They had more windows on every floor, allowing sunlight easier access.

I knocked lightly on his door, half hoping he wasn't home.

The door creaked open slowly as Luke's face went from uncertainty to recognition.

He gave me a small smile as he leaned against the door.

"Harley, what a pleasure," he said teasingly.

"I need to talk to you."

He glanced around the hallway, "Who let you up?"

"I snuck in with Cody, who lives down the hall."

"Sneaky. Come in."

Luke's room was nothing like I imagined it would be. The wall on his side of the room was covered in sketches, some done and some incomplete. His bed was perfectly made, with a black comforter and dark green pillows. His desk was a mess, and there were pencils and colored pencils scattered across his desk, with books piled in one area while the rest was covered in artwork or drawings. His camera bag was set neatly on a shelf, untouched by anything else.

The other side of the room was also reasonably neat, with a couple of drawings on the wall.

"Who do you share a room with?" I asked as I turned back to him.

He tossed a baseball in his hand, "His name is Jack. He photographs the football team."

"I wish I had artistic ability," I whispered in awe as I took in every sketch on the wall.

Some were of landscapes, mostly of downtown Nashville but surprisingly a good amount of people. People he may have asked to sketch or just from people watching. People were walking, laughing, and eating. They were snapshots of people in everyday life, completely thrown off guard. It amazed me that his father wanted to hinder his artistic ability.

My eyes scanned the room, landing on his desk. When a sketch caught my eye, I couldn't help but skimmed my hands over his work. Before I knew it, Luke had his arms around my waist, spinning me backward into his beanbag chair.

He smirked, looking down at me, "I told you, the sketch isn't ready yet."

I felt like I couldn't breathe. He was inches from me. He was inches away from kissing me. I caught him staring down at my lips as his hair brushed my forehead. Then, his eyes flickered back up to mine. There was amusement hidden in his eyes.

"I didn't know."

"I think you did know."

I wanted him to kiss me, and I wanted him to lean in just a little more so badly. I wanted him to kiss me because I knew I would kiss him back.

He eased himself off of me and extended his hand to help me up. I felt my heart hammering away in my chest. I already knew my cheeks were burning red, which gave him a clue that I was flustered.

"So why did you come to see me?"

"I have to tell you something."

"And what would that be?"

"I'm dating Spencer."

Luke didn't react the way I expected him to. He seemed calm and unbothered.

"Good, I'm happy for you."

"Is that all?"

"Spencer is a good guy, and I know he won't hurt you."

"Thank you, Luke."

The next couple of days have been a blur. I spent the majority of my time finishing up schoolwork so I'd be able to watch the weekend series. Spencer is super excited about it, and he hopes Vanderbilt will make it to the college world series in June. I spent most of my time in my empty dorm room, and Hannah has still not returned. I've called and texted her a couple of times during the past few days, but I knew she was busy with the baby planning.

I called Mason to talk to him about the news. God, he was so embarrassed about the whole situation, but he was excited. Hayden is staying with Mason's parents, which I think eased some pressure off of Mason.

Luke, I haven't talked to him since that day in his dorm. He hasn't been at the library recently, so I decided to stay in my dorm to study. I'm always tempted to text him, but I figured it is best not to talk to him.

Despite all the significant events in my life, I still felt happy.

After finishing my essay, I figured coffee would be the best reward.

I smiled as the raindrops sprinkled on me. I loved the rain.

It was cloudy and dark, which meant not many people were outside. Fine by me, fewer people to interact with.

After getting my much-needed Starbucks, I would call today successful. That was until I saw Luke sharing an umbrella with a beautiful girl who seemed to make him smile more extensively than I ever have.