Tethered To You

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Eighteen

Emalyn whirls into the dorm with a dreamy smile. She discards her tote bag beside the foot of her bed, then leaps onto the end of my bed. Emalyn hugs a pillow to her chest and lounges across my bed.

"I've met someone," she explains.

"Oh?" I raise an eyebrow.

"While I was working today, I literally bumped into this guy and we hit things off. We're meeting tonight and I was hoping you were free to double date with me."

"Sorry, I can't."

"Please, I don't want to go alone." She pouts.

"Um." I nibble on my lower lip.

Emalyn flutters her eyelashes and gives me this pleading look, which would generally work prior to Mav and I actually giving our relationship a chance.

"I really can't tonight. I think I'm falling behind in class and I should focus on studying."

"We can do a study session tomorrow."

"I have work tomorrow."

"I can cover the shift for you."

"I need the money."

Emalyn sighs.

"Is there nothing I can say that will convince you?"

"No, but call if you need me to bail you out."

"Okay." She sighs.

I want to be there for Emalyn, but I certainly don't want to end up on a double date with someone random.

I continue studying while Emalyn prepares for her date. She tries on a couple of outfits and with my advice, she picks a simple but elegant black dress which gives sexy but modest vibes for her date.

"Are you sure you can't come?" She pleads by the doorway.

"Sorry, I can't." I frown.

She pouts but nods her head.

"Boring, but good luck with your studies."

Secret relationships are hard work!

I cover a couple more pages in my textbook before calling Maverick. It rings until it goes to voicemail, but I try once more and he answers after a few rings.

"Hey," he answers, the bustle of a bar in the background.

"Sorry, I missed your call. I'm at the bar 'cause Joey is sick."

"Do you need help?"

"I'm fine and I thought you were studying?"

"Yes, but Emalyn is on a date tonight, so I thought it was the perfect time to sneak over and see you."

"Oh, I like this plan." He chuckles.

"I'll see you soon then."

Once I'm finished with my studies, I head to the bar and met with a cocktail. I should drop in more often if this will be my reception.

"You look good."

"Just good?" I gasp.

Maverick steps aside and looks behind me. I follow his gaze and spot Emalyn sitting at a table with her date. They're both tangled in a deep conversation.

"Shit, I had no idea she would be here."

"They weren't here when I spoke to you," he comments.

"I should take this upstairs."