Coffee and Croissants

Chapter 13

It was a mess. The whole situation. First, she had woken up on his chest, his arm wrapped around her. Then, her attempt at sneaking out before he woke up failed and he insisted she stay over, in his bed. The familiar smell of him on his pillow overwhelming her all night.

At least she managed to slip out unnoticed this morning. She was so hesitant about leaving a note even for fear it would wake him but decided it would be impossibly rude not to. She snuck a glance at him. She had forgotten how cute he was when he slept. He looked angelic almost. Tearing her eyes away, she dropped the note and started toward the door. She quietly opened it and tiptoed, barefoot, into the hallway. Not wanting to put in her noisy shoes until she was a safe distance from his front door. She only started breathing again once she descended the stairs.

She contemplated skipping class. I'm mean, how could she stare at him for 3 hours after last night. Everything last night had been dangerously reminiscent of how they had been just before they became something more.

But not showing up would be weirder she deduced. That might put their friendship at even more risk than showing up would.

So that's how she found herself sitting in the middle row of the auditorium, facing him, less than four hours after she had fled his apartment. Vague of their restless night visible on his face.

She focused on her notebook. Only glancing up when she was certain he wasn't looking at her. She idly tapped her foot, desperately trying to focus on the lecture and not his appearance. Specifically, the errant curl which dangled over his right eye.

Once the class finally concluded, she rushed out before he could say anything. Giving him a faint smile in acknowledgement before ducking out. But he caught up to her just outside the door. "Wait!"

"I wanted to check you made it home okay. I mean, obviously you did because you're standing in front of me." He laughed nervously and ran a hand through his hair. "But you left without saying anything."

"I didn't want to wake you. You looked so peaceful and I know how rare it is for you to fall into a deep sleep without Cedric by your side." She gave him a wicked smile and continued. "Actually, I kept thinking I would wake up to find that creepy Cabbage Patch Kid staring me down."

"He got left behind in New York actually. Feared customs wouldn't let him through."

"Humphrey, I don't think they're that strict. I mean, they let you through didn't they?"

"And you, apparently." He added.

She shot him a withering glare. "Well as you can see I am just fine so thank you for checking on me. I have to head to my next class though."

"Your next class isn't for another 30 minutes?"

She gave him a quizzical look. "Stalking me Humphrey?"

He stammered, "No, I mean, I know from coffee last Monday. You said it."

"I have to get there early today."

"Oh okay." He looked defeated.

"Wednesday, I have an hour between classes through."

His face brightened, "Wednesday." He echoed. "Okay perfect. I will see you then."

"See you then." She smiled and walked off.

She actually didn't have to get to class early. But she knew Noah had a break between classes right now and could be anywhere. The last thing she needed was an awkward run-in.