The Exception

Chapter 30: Boyfriends, School Projects, Sweet Stuff

"I can't believe we have yet another assignment to complete by next week Tuesday," Ellie rolled her eyes at me as we walked down the school hallways. "Maybe you and Evan can work on yours together."

A smile formed on my face. On Sunday we made it official. Evan and Ellie's parents were delighted, and Evan already set our second date for this Wednesday evening, and to say I was excited was the understatement of the year. 

"Maybe," I muttered and smiled at her. "So, you and Tyler, how is that coming?"

"Slow," Ellie rolled her eyes in frustration. "I mean, he pitched up when invited, all flirty when talking to me, and the next thing he drops me to play ball with some of his pals. It's so annoying."

I nodded sympathetically. "I really hope that me going out with your brother..."

Ellie shook her head. "Look, he's annoying and I can't stand him, but he's also my brother, and he isn't totally intolerable. Besides, I'll get to see you even more now...I mean, besties for life right?"

"Right," I nodded happily. I was a little stressed that Ellie would disapprove, but she had been surprisingly cool about it all. Strange. However, I dismissed it as I saw Evan approaching us with his pals.

"Here's my girl," Evan said with a wink. He hugged me tight and whispered in my ear. "Meet you at lunch later? Ok?"

"Sure," I responded with a smile. He winked at me again and walked off with his friends. Probably planning on pranking a poor freshman.

                                                                                                  ***

When I pitched up to work, I was a little puzzled and disappointed. Evan had not even made an appearance for lunch, and I hadn't seen him for the rest of the school day. It was  rotten way to begin a new relationship. I took out my phone and with a frown saw a text from Evan:

Singing at the cafe tonight. See you there

I raised my brow. 

"Hey, Agnus, how was your weekend?"

I looked up to see Keith busy stacking shelves and wiping dust.

"It's been eventful thus far...look, I just wanted to be the first to tell you..."

"Yes," Keith stopped and looked at me. "What's up?"

"Evan and I are kind of a thing..."

"A thing? What happened to the one time thing?" Keith spoke and I gave an apologetic shrug.

"I guess I'm willing to give it a shot," I muttered. "Just was hoping you won't be too mad at me or think I'm a terrible person, or something like that..."

"Look, Agnus, I'm not gonna outright tell you not to date him...not that I approve," Keith walked to the till and started checking the cash.  He stopped for another moment.  "It's just, I never thought you were into those kind of guys...no offense, Evan is kind of a jerk." Keith tapped the counter, and I sighed.

"I know...and normally I don't, but he's..."

"The exception?"

"Took the words right out of my mouth," I said and smiled. "I hope you understand."

Keith raised his brow and sighed. "I just don't want to see you get hurt...but it's your life."

"You're really awesome, you know that? Where have you been all my life?"

"Right here in this city, where you proceeded to knock me out," Keith shook his head. "Should have taken it as a sign."

"What sign?" I asked and tilted my head.

"Nothing, personal joke..." Keith carried on working, and I proceeded to help out any customers coming in an out.  However, I checked the text message and pursed my lips. Although I may really really like Evan...he wasn't going to skimp out on my lunch and then simply expect to see me at the café. If he wanted this to work, he'll have to do much more than just sing and dance.