Allan looked uncomfortable for a minute before he shrugged. "We're all interested." He smiled at my surprised look. "Don't think too much about it. Just enjoy yourself and tell us if we're making you uncomfortable."
I raised my eyebrows. Allan practically attacked his food, and I sensed the conversation was over as far as he was concerned. I really wasn't sure what I could say to that, so I concentrated on my breakfast and hoped that my class with Doc wouldn't be too awkward today.
We finished our breakfasts about the same time, even though Allan ate about three times as much as me. I certainly wasn't judging. He was just as fit and muscular as his brother. His short sandy blond hair framed a handsome face, and I couldn't help glancing at him now and again while we put our breakfast trays in the bin. He walked with me toward the history building without asking, and I was grateful for the company, though Ed had stated I was probably safe on campus.
"See you later," he said with a smile when he left me at the door.
"Yeah."
I went inside and tried to ignore the butterflies in my stomach as I climbed the stairs to the second floor and Doc's class. It was difficult not to hesitate before I entered. Ash was already in his customary seat a few back from me in the same row.
"Hi, Ash," I said as I walked past.
Ash glanced up at me and nodded, but unlike last night, he looked grumpy. Maybe he wasn't a morning person.
Doc glanced over when I spoke, though I hadn't thought he would have heard me from the front of the room.
His smile when he saw me made me tingle all the way to my toes, and I blushed, though he toned it down quickly, as if realizing how that might look.
"Hi," I whispered, sure he would be able to read my lips if he couldn't hear.
He inclined his head before turning his attention back to the student in front of him.
Class itself was interesting, and fortunately, uneventful. It was almost like sitting through a story. Doc's western drawl fit the material perfectly and drew me into the events he discussed. It was almost a shock when the class was over.
I blinked a few times, trying to bring myself back to the present while the rest of the class packed up their things. Shaking my head, I took a deep breath. I wanted to say something to Doc, but another student had his attention. I slipped out a little disappointed. I knew I would see him again Wednesday, if I didn't run into him before then.
Ash watched me as I left the room, but when I stopped to wait for him to catch up, he went the other direction.
Shrugging, I headed off to my next class, biology. Victoria and Ed were both in that one.
"Sofia!" Ed jogged up to me and grabbed my hand. "Hi."
"Hi, Ed." For a moment, I thought about reclaiming my hand. However, the gesture was kind of sweetly romantic, and I kind of liked it, so I left my hand in his.
We walked next to each other and headed for the biology building.
"You going to tell me what we're doing this weekend yet?"
His sky-blue eyes twinkled with amusement. "No. You'll like it."
"How do you know? We've really only just met."
Ed smiled over at me. "You belong in the mountains. I promise, you'll like it."
Maybe we were going camping?
∞ ∞ ∞
The week was a whirlwind of classes and hanging out with Victoria–and occasionally one of the guys–for an hour or so between classes. Ed definitely didn't like Alex, and the feeling was definitely mutual. Ash never tried to talk to me or hang out. If I tried to talk to him, he would glare, or go the other direction. It confused me, because he had seemed nice enough the other night at dinner. By the time Friday came, I was really looking forward to a girl's night with Victoria. Except, I remembered I also apparently had some sort of date with Alex, too. I flopped back on my bed and stared at the white ceiling.
"Hey, girl. They apparently took us seriously about me managing your social calendar," Victoria stated as she came into our dorm shortly before we were supposed to head out for pizza. "Alex is convinced I can fit him in sometime this weekend. Any idea what you're up to?"
She didn't sound annoyed, which was good. I shook my head. "I think we're going camping, though Ed won't confirm. Tonight will have to be enough, I guess."
"Great. The brothers have spoken for you for next weekend, too."
I raised my eyebrows. "Um, sure, pending homework, okay."
Victoria laughed. "I'll let you know when I get bored of being your manager."
I giggled. "What are you up to this weekend?"
"Oh, I should have told you. I'm headed down to Denver to visit my guy and some of my friends from high school who are in town. Last minute plans. My parents are coming up next weekend. I'm going to schedule some time for you to hang out with us."
Sputtering, I put my pillow over my face. "Yes, I would like to meet your parents, and now we won't have to worry about this weekend, since you'll be gone and I'll be with the guys."
"Yeah. And next weekend, I'll be mostly with my parents. One week at a time, Sofia. Hopefully, Doc's discussion with whoever had the desired result. Has anything weird happened since then?"
"Other than the abnormally large number of hot guys who seem to be interested in me? No."
Victoria laughed. "Okay, time for food."
It was a little early, but I was hungry, and Alex would meet me after.
"Jacket," Victoria reminded me before we left.
"Thanks. I'll get used to it at some point." I smiled.
"It'll be cold soon, and you'll want it all the time.
