Unplanned

5. Coincidences

Friday nights are usually reserved for getting drunk and a little bit rowdy, but after class as I'm walking back to my dorm my phone rings and I see that it's work.

"This is Alexis"

"Alexis, this is Miranda"

I stifle my sigh but allow my eyes to roll.

"Hi, what's up"

"Listen, I know you're not scheduled to work tonight but Katie needs to switch her shift because of an emergency"

I glance around the campus, watching my fun Friday evening go down the drain. I don't particularly want to go into work tonight, but if I do, I won't have to work Sunday. I think about it for a second and then decide.

"Yeah sure, I can be there at 5"

I don't expect a thanks from Miranda, and I don't get one. "Just get here as soon as you can. We're busy". The line goes dead and I swear at my phone while resuming the walk back to my dorm.

"What did that phone ever do to you?" A voice teases me, and I look up to see Jesse in front of me. He looks jaw dropping in black jeans and a plain white shirt, his dark hair intentionally messy, and those gorgeous dimples out for the kill. I catch myself before I blatantly stare at the way his shirt moulds to his abs and biceps. Drool!

"It called me into work" I try to put a little pep in my voice. He is my voice after all.

He falls into step with me, carrying his books under one arm. "Ah yes. The dreaded club". I just nod in acknowledgment and try to read the books under his arm. "You're doing your masters?" I ask him, genuine surprise in my voice. "Yep" he responds. Wow, great conversation.

"Wait, how old ARE you?"

"Guess"

The smirk on his face tells me that this is a game he plays often. I admit, I thought he would be 20, 21 at most. But I decide to knock him down a peg or too. Despite the dimples, that smirk was getting a little frustrating.

"Well I thought you were at least 27". I watch as the wind goes out of him for a second, and he looks at me with shock. "TWENTYSEVEN!!" I can't tell if he is seriously offended or just joking, so I poke him in the ribs to lighten the mood. "I'm kidding" and now daydreaming about his muscles. This boy is a rock wall.

He keeps walking and his face is dark for a minute before it clears. "I'm 24' he admits, "I took two years off after getting my bachelor to work with my dad, and now I'm back for my masters" he seems to be embarrassed by this, but I get it.

"I changed my major this semester, so I'll be graduating a little later too" much to my dismay. Part of me is annoyed that I wasted time with dance, while another part of me will always be grateful for the things I went through and how much stronger I am because of them.

We reach the main entrance to my dorm and I turn to face Jesse. "Thanks for walking with me". I hate that every time we say goodbye to each other, it's awkward. But at the same time, I don't really know what to do when I say goodbye to an insanely attractive guy... the struggle is real. Jesse watches me for a second, making sure I get into the building, before giving me a wave and heading off, back in the direction we came.

I think he only walked this way with me because I was going this way. Oh dear. "Bosses son. Bosses son" I practically chant it to myself as I bolt down the halls to our room. Kara isn't home yet and I'm grateful for small mercies.

I know that she will get up in my business about taking time for myself, but honestly I'm a little low on cash, and Friday nights are notoriously good for tips. I change and get ready as quick as possible and then I am out the door, in the car, and at work by 4.45.