After 2

Chapter 157.

Hardin parks in the lot closest to the coffee house as he can manage so that we can limit the exposure to the weather but the campus is crowded since everyone has returned from Christmas break. He curses the entire time he circles each parking lot and I try not to laugh at his annoyance. It is quite adorable.

"Give me your bag." Hardin says when I get out of the car.

I hand it to him with a smile and thank him for the thoughtful gesture, it is heavy, manageable but heavy. It feels strange being back on campus, so much has changed and happened since I have last been here. The cold wind whips against my skin and Hardin pulls a beanie over his head before zipping his jacket up all the way while we rush through the parking lot and down the street. I should have brought a thicker jacket, and gloves, and even a hat for myself. Hardin was right when he said I shouldn't wear the dress but there is no way I am admitting that.

Hardin looks adorable with his hair hidden under the beanie and his cheeks and nose are red from the cold. Only Hardin would look even more attractive in this harsh weather.

"There he is." He points to Landon as we walk inside.

The familiarity of the small coffee shop calms my nerves and I smile as soon as I see my closest friend sitting at a small table waiting for me.

"Good morning." Landon smiles when his eyes rest on Hardin and I.

"Morning." I chirp back.

"I'll get in line." Hardin mumbles and heads to the counter.

I didn't expect him to stay or get my coffee but I am glad he is. We don't have any classes together this semester and I will miss seeing him since I have gotten used to seeing him all day, every day during the second half of Christmas break at least.

"Ready for the new semester?" Landon asks when I take a seat across from him.

The chair squeaks across the tile floor, drawing attention to us and I smile apologetically before taking a good look at Landon.

He has tried a new hairstyle, pushing his hair up off of his forehead and it looks very good on him. As I look around the coffee shop, I begin to realize I probably should have just worn jeans and I sweatshirt, I am the only one dressed this way, except Landon in his light blue button down shirt and khakis.

"Yes, and no." I tell him and he agrees.

"Same. How are things.. you know between you two?" He leans across the table to whisper.

Hardin's has his back to us and the barista's face is in a deep scowl. She rolls her eyes as he hands her his debit card and I wonder what he did to her to irritate her so much this early in the day.

"They are good actually. How are things with Dakota? It feels much longer than a week since we have seen each other."

"Good, she is preparing for New York."

"That is so amazing, I would love to go to New York." I can't imagine how the city is.

"Me too." He smiles and I want to tell him not to go but I know that I can't.

"I haven't made my mind up yet." He answers my thoughts.

"I want to go and be close to her, we have lived so far for so long but I love WSU and I don't know if I want to be away from my mum and Ken to go to a huge city where I know absolutely no one, except her of course.

"You would do amazing there, you could go to NYU and the two of you could get an apartment." I say.

"Yeah, I just don't know yet."