Forbidden Literature

9| Possibilities

"You okay?" Sara asked for probably the fifth time after our last workshop ended.

And also for the fifth time, I replied, "I'm fine. Just didn't get the best sleep last night."

She still didn't look convinced, but she didn't press any further either. Instead, we continued walking on the treadmill (after finally deciding it was time to take advantage of the gym) while I tried to think of any topic other than my feelings. It was difficult trying to mask them from my best friend. But I knew if I gave any sort of hint at what was really wrong, it would be difficult to explain. So instead, I opted for another route.

"Want to try out the swimming pool after this?"

Her eyes lit up. "Absolutely."

We remained there a little over an hour making promises that we would return again this week while secretly knowing that probably wouldn't happen. Still, making your muscles burn was a great distraction.

We returned back to our place to take a shower and get ready for dinner. This time it wasn't going to be a wild party like last night. Instead, it was going to be a simple feast in the ballroom with catered food. While it sounded good, I was hoping to use this time to get caught up on my homework and I knew the perfect spot to go to.

Plus I wasn't ready to see Dr. Andrews again who was sure to be in the ballroom with the others.

So after telling Sara that I would meet up with her later, I headed to Jerry's with my assigned books for one of my literature classes.

After I settled into a seat, promising to order food in a little bit, I cracked open the book that I was supposed to write a paper on. I was maybe halfway through the second chapter when I heard a familiar accented voice say, "You know you're the only one working on homework at a conference, right?"

I immediately stiffened at those words and slowly looked up to see yet another person I was trying to avoid. Fantastic.

I smiled up at Aaron who was standing near my table, hands in his pockets looking just as nice as he did last night.

"I don't know how your professors are, but mine would kill me if I even thought about slacking off."

"But you're at a conference," he countered. "Isn't this like the ultimate extra credit?"

"To some. But not Dr. Garrett."

"I see. Well, I think she will at least be okay with you eating dinner." He pulled out the chair in front of me but before sitting asked, "May I?"

Although I wanted to say 'no' I felt like I owed him something from last night. I was acting ridiculous and he didn't deserve it. So instead I replied, "Sure."

He flashed a dazzling smile as he took his spot across from me. I tried not to think about who filled that same chair not too long ago but failed miserably.

"So," Aaron began back up, "I was told you would be visiting last night for poker but you never came. Did you get worn out from dinner?" He eyed me with a knowing look.

After the elevator incident, I bailed once more on Aaron heading back to my room instead of his place for poker with Sara. I felt like if I went to his place, I couldn't hide what had happened from her, so it was for the best that I didn't show at all.

I managed a tight smile as I replied, "Yeah, I guess I'm not used to all the partying stuff." It was quiet for a moment before I added, "Umm . . . sorry for bailing on you last night . . . twice."

But he just waved it off. "I have three sisters, I know when a woman needs her sleep," he flashed his dazzling smile again that made him more overtly attractive. "Besides, we have all week to get to know each other. Starting now."