Sweetheart Single

09 | Hot Chocolate Choices

I run into the girls' locker room bathroom. I barely make sure I'm alone before throwing my bag down and loosening my scarf. Holy hell. I just met Harry. How?

Nikki would flip out. Almost every other girl on campus would flip out. I forgot his name! I'm so embarrassed I can hardly breathe. Or maybe it's because I'm thinking about his neck and his forearms and his hand on my waist.

"Idiot," I mumble to myself, sitting on the edge of the benches.

"Elle, is that you?"

Shoot. A girl is walking around the side of the lockers. She steps out, a towel around her.

"Hey girl. Thought it sounded like you," Chloe says.

"Hey Chloe." I look at the space behind her, expecting to see Nikki emerge in-towel. "Where's Nikki?"

"Oh, still at the gym. I can't last that long. Left her back there to shower before dinner and... Are you okay?" Chloe stops talking abruptly, looking at me.

"What? Yea. I'm okay. I'm fine. It's just –wow is it really stuffy in here?" I yank the scarf from my neck completely.

"It's not too bad," Chloe laughs at me. "Do you need some air?"

"I think I do. I'm gonna–"

"Wait a sec. I'll change and I can go with you. We can get a coffee." Chloe looks me over. "Maybe an iced coffee."

I laugh and thank her and wait for her to change. Really, I want to rush back to my dorm, strip and shower, and stop thinking about my chance encounter with Harry.

My phone buzzes in my pocket. Shoot! It's Shawn.

Practice done
Dinner later?

I panic. I can't see him tonight. My fingers hammer my screen typing out a quick response.

Can't tn. Rain check?

I don't even wait for an answer before slipping my phone back into my pocket. One thing I'm thankful for: Jake doesn't have my number.

"Okay. Ready?" Chloe comes back, dressed in yoga pants and a sweatshirt.

"You know. I'm going to skip the coffee," I say, grabbing my bag.

"Sure. Let's hit the lounge instead. We can make cocoa or something. Wait for Nikki to get back." Chloe smiles, leading me out the door.

"Okay." I nod. At least I'll be back in my dorm building, safely away from the rec and famous strangers.

"So, are you going to tell me what's up?"

"Huh?"

"What you're worried about. Or stressing over." Chloe rolls her eyes at me.

"Oh. Just this essay I have to write by Monday. Haven't started." I lie.

"You haven't started an essay that's due in three days?" Chloe doesn't believe me.

"Exactly," I mumble.

I follow Chloe across campus. I spot Jake on the library steps again, loitering with a group of kids in black hoodies. I quickly sidestep Chloe, so I am on the other side of her, hiding myself from Jake's view. I do not need a repeat of the other night.

We walk into the lounge, and I crash onto the couch. I remove my mittens and scarf and giant coat and top layer sweater. I whip my hair into a high bun and take off my glasses.

"So," Chloe says, fumbling with the Keurig in the lounge. "Spill. What's the boy drama?"

"What gave it away?" I ask, resigned.