Older || 18+

17. Emma

Classes seem to drag by today. I have my internship meeting at noon, and I'm nervous and excited. I have all the information about the company, the job duties, and what they're looking for in an intern. I think I'm prepared, but it doesn't stop the nervousness.

Alex, who's sitting beside me in the lecture hall, leans over. "You're doing that thing where you tap your pen. It's kind of loud."

I look down at my hand and realize that I am. "Shit," I say, laughing nervously. "Sorry."

"Are you okay?" he asks, looking concerned.

"Yeah, just a little nervous," I tell him, putting my pen down. "I have my internship interview at lunch."

"Why are you nervous? You've got this."

I smile, appreciating his support. "Thanks."

Ever since the frat party, Alex has been acting differently around me. He keeps seeming to find reasons to touch me. A hand on my arm here, a tap of his foot against mine there. I think we need to talk about that kiss because he's clearly reading more into this than he should be. I think back to what Skylar said about Alex having a crush on me. If that's the case, I'm going to have to be gentle.

"You'll do great. They'd be stupid not to pick you. You're smart and funny and so fucking talented," he says, his hand resting on my shoulder.

I swallow thickly, unsure of how to respond. His hand on my bare shoulder holds all of my attention.

I clear my throat, shifting in my seat. "Thank you. That means a lot."

His hand stays on my shoulder, and I can feel his fingers gently massaging the tense muscles there. I pretend to get something out of my bag, allowing myself to bend over, effectively removing his hand from me. I don't want things to be like this between us. I really hope this is all in my head. Maybe I've let Skylar get in my head.

Class ends, and I hastily gather my notebooks and pens, feeling the familiar flutter of nerves at the thought of the impending interview. Alex follows me out of the room, keeping pace beside me.

"What time is your interview?" he asks, walking with me down the hallway.

"Noon," I reply, glancing at my watch. "They're coming here, so I've got about thirty minutes to grab a bite and get my game face on."

"Want some company?" he offers, His smile is easy, inviting.

"Sure," I say, returning his smile with one of my own.

We walk to the food court, grabbing lunch. We find a table and sit down, digging into our food.

"So, are you ready for this?" he asks, taking a bite of his sandwich.

I shrug. "I guess so. I just really want it to go well. I think I'm ready, but you never know."

"You'll be great. Just be yourself." His confidence in me outweighs my own.

I nod, chewing on my salad. "Thanks."

We finish our lunch, and then head back to the main part of campus. We stop at the front of the building.

Alex stops, turning to face me with a sincerity that's both comforting and nerve-wracking. "Good luck," he says, stepping in for a hug.

I stiffen at first, caught off guard, but then I relax and hug him back.

"Thanks," I murmur, stepping back.

"I have practice now, but find me afterward and tell me how it went, okay?"

"Will do," I promise, smiling.

With a final nod, he bounds off toward the athletic complex, leaving me to face the ticking clock.