Before

Chapter 10.

When I get to my car I try to think of what to do with Tessa. I don't go out, ever, aside to parties at other people's places. Other than that, I'm on campus or in my room, alone.
I start the car and keep trying to think of something to do. A movie? What type of movie does Tessa like? Something from Nicholas Sparks, I'm sure. I could sneak my arm around her. I could buy her popcorn or overpriced chocolate to impress her. The problem with seeing a movie is that we can't talk during. Someone would complain and I would end up getting into some trouble.

Dating rituals were so much less complicated in the past. If we lived in an Austen novel, I would court her and take her on chaperoned dates where we would walk through the woods and if I felt brave I would brush her gloved hand with mine. She would blush and put a finger to her full lips, looking to our chaperone with a warning in her grey eyes.

Modern dating is much different and now if I felt brave, I would reach down and tease her nipples through her top and she would move my hand to the warmth between her thighs. No chaperone, no rules.

I'm interrupted in my planning by my phone ringing. Does Tessa have my number? Speaking of that, I need to get her number from Steph. When Ken's name flashes on my phone screen, I cringe but I answer this time. I should have known it wouldn't be Tessa, why would she call me anyway.

"Yeah?" I say, turning onto the highway. I tuck my phone between my cheek and shoulder. The only problem with my beautiful 1970 Ford Capri is that it doesn't connect to Bluetooth.

"Um, Hardin, hey," he stutters. He's confused by me answering. He calls me sometimes and I'm convinced that he sees it as his good deed. He calls to "check in on me" because he knows I won't answer and it makes him look good to make an effort with his insubordinate son.

His new girlfriend probably praises him, hugging him tightly and she reassures him, "He will come around one day," she probably promises him. "He's just angry right now."

She would be angry if she had him for an excuse of a dad, too.
"Hey," I press the speaker button and rest my phone in the cup holder.
"How are you, son?" He asks, immediately pressing on my nerves.
"Fine."

He clears his throat, "that's good to hear. I wanted to invite you over to dinner tomorrow night. Karen's making a chicken and we would really love to have you over."

He wants me to come over for dinner? Why on earth would he think I would come to his house to eat chicken with his new family and talk about how much we all just love each other's company.  No fucking thanks.

"I have plans tomorrow." I tell him. I'm not lying this time.

"Oh. Well you could come by after your plans. She's making desert too."
"My commitment is for all night." I tell him. I wonder what the weather will be like tomorrow.

The clouds are grey, as always in this shitty state. The sun must hate it so much here, that's why it's always raining and dreary. 

"Is it supposed to rain tomorrow?" I ask Ken. It's easier than looking it up myself.

"No, it's supposed to warm up overnight and the rain's gone until next week," he says.
If I had a normal relationship with the man who helped create me I could ask him for suggestions. I don't though.

All I know to ask this man about are forms needed for the University we have in common. We have nothing in common and are as far as can be from a place where I would ever ask him for dating advice.

Maybe Vance has some ideas? I'd rather ask him than anyone else, I guess.

"I have to go," I say into the phone and hang up on Ken. I find Vance's name in my phone.