Sucker Punch

Chapter Nine

Finn

It's not that I cared if our friends knew we were hanging out. But I was enjoying myself, just sitting here and talking with Ivy, and I didn't want them to interrupt us. There was something comforting about talking to someone who understands the liberation a punching bag offered, or who knows what it's like not being able to turn to your mom whenever you want.

"What are you guys doing here?" Mitch coos with an amused look on his face.

Ivy shoots up out of her seat and answers before I do. "We, uh ran into each other. Decided to get lunch. But I have class across the quad in a few, see you guys." She grabs her bag and starts off.

"Hey, wait!" Shelby hollers and Ivy pauses and turns. "I have class in that direction too. I'll walk with you." She gives Mitch a quick kiss goodbye and takes off.

I watch Ivy walk away and I try to place why I feel irked by her sudden departure.

"Well..." Mitch interrupts my thoughts. He nods his head toward the Engineering Square adjacent to the Main Quad, where we both have class soon. I follow him, knowing he's expecting answers.

"Well...you heard her. We ran into each and decided to grab lunch. Twice."

"Oh, so you two have a standing lunch date?" He teases.

I sigh. "I saw her at Rusted Roast yesterday. We talked. Ate. And I asked if we could do it again today," I say simply, though I know it's not that simple. 

"I thought you didn't have time for relationships?" He's still teasing but I know he's genuinely curious.

"For shit's sake, Mitch. It's not like guys and girls can't hang out with trying to fuck each other."

"I agree, but I don't see you asking your other friends, who are girls, to have lunch with you. Twice." We're nearing my building so I head in without so much as a goodbye.

I'm in class, waiting for lecture to being when my phone buzzes. I expect it to be Ivy, possibly explaining why she bailed so quickly. 

Mitch. 

I'm suddenly irked again.

Mitch: It's cool, don't worry. I'll just grill you when you're home tonight.

Buzz Buzz

Mitch: I bet Ivy gave Shelby some juicy details. I could text her and ask what's up

I know he's just giving me a hard time. But I also know he really will grill me as soon as I'm home, and I honestly don't know what to tell him.

Truthfully, talking with Ivy felt good. Natural. Even when I asked if she loved her mother, which is probably one of the dumbest moves I could've made, I knew she'd be honest with me. She made me want to be honest with her too, and when time came to go our separate ways, I'd didn't want to end the conversation. So I asked her to see her again.

I expect Mitch to bombard me with questions the minute I'm back from the gym, but he's not home so I rush to the shower. Sure enough though, the instant I step out of my bedroom to study in the kitchen, Mitch races from his room to meet me.

"Let's talk," he says.

"Why are you so nosy?" Though, truth be told, this is the first time he's ever cared about how I'm spending my time with a girl.

"Not nosy. Just curious. And shocked. I really just want to know what's going on. Never, in the three years I known you, have you ever just 'hung out'," he emphasizes with air quotes, "with a girl."