Crystel shrugged, “So I guess that explains it, you and Tyler aren’t really over.”
My face squished into a completely lost expression, “What? When were Tyler and I an actual thing to begin with? We have never even been on a real date. How is it I am back on the market, when I didn’t know I had ever been off? Furthermore, how is it all these guys even know who I am? It isn’t like I have met any of them. And what do they care if Tyler and I are or are not, which by the way we are not, dating? And who are they to be asking him if that means they can ask me out? I don’t even know them!” My voice had raised a bit, and I looked around when I realized people had stopped talking to listen to my ranting.
Crystel just smiled across the table at me. “Yeah, that’s kinda what I thought you’d say.”
I pushed my chair back, “I need to get a drink.” I walked back to the buffet line, filling a glass with my favorite infused water. I turned and sloshed it down the front of me, as I ran directly into someone.
“Shit.” I cursed.
“I am so sorry.” Tyler’s voice cut short realizing who he’d ran into.
“You know what, it’s fine.” I turned back toward the tables. I had been so hungry for lunch and now I just wanted to escape. I sat down at the table with my half empty glass, taking a pitiful sip.
Crystel laughed out loud. “You ok?”
“Yes. It’ll dry.” Tyler walked into the dining area, scanning the tables for me. His eyes locked on mine and I hunched my shoulders away from him. Tucking my head towards Crystel. “I just can’t really deal with him right now. If I talk to him, I am going to rip his face off.”
Crystel put a chicken strip on my salad plate. “Eat something, you need your strength.”
I picked it up and took a bite, “Why? What else do you know?”
She shrugged, “Well, based on my anatomy classes, ripping the face from the skull will take much more strength than you’d think.”
I smiled and chewed. “You know, I am up for the challenge today.” We both laughed and my mood lightened.
“You headed back to the room?”
“Yeah, I picked up another shift today, but not until three.”
“Cool, I’ll walk with you.” She pushed what food was left around her plate, stalling for me to finish my salad and lonely chicken strip.
We headed out into the cold afternoon. “Thank you.” I said, when we had cleared the doors and were walking alone.
“For what?”
“I just appreciate you being so nice to me.” It sounded weak leaving my lips.
She wrinkled her brows, “Seriously, why do you think it is a big deal if people are nice to you? You’re cool. Why wouldn’t I be nice to you?”
What an odd response.
“Yeah, thanks Crys, but I am not cool.”
She shoved my shoulder, “Sure you are. You are no drama, you are not a drunk, you study, and are nice to everyone. How is that not cool?”
I shrugged my shoulders, “I get concussions walking on even sidewalks.”
She eyed me sideways, “Whatever. Accidents happen.”
“Well, I just really appreciate you being here today. It has been such a wild one.”
“So, besides the awkward ask out at lunch, what else has happened?”
I swallowed, “Well, I have coffee with some guy on Thursday, but I don’t know his name. I know I met him before, but honestly, I just can’t remember what he called himself.”
She laughed, “Brown hair? Lacrosse player?”
“Yeah, how did you know?”
“I told you, Terry told me all about it.”
“Ok, but who is Terry? I don’t even know him.”
She laughed, “Yeah you do. He is friends with Camryn too. You would recognize him if you saw him.”
“Ok, so is that who I am having coffee with?”
She shook her head as she keyed us in the front door. “No, you dork. You’re having coffee with Moe.”
Moe? Who names their kid Moe? “Do his parents not like him or something?”
She laughed. “Moe is a nickname. His last name is Moellering. Everyone calls him Moe.”
“So, does he have a first name?”
She cocked her head. “I’m sure he does.”
I dropped my chin, “And it would be…”
“No idea.” A smile slipped across her face. She shrugged her shoulders as she unlocked the door, “See? Now you have something to talk about at coffee.”
I reached my bed and threw my pillow at her.
Chapter Twelve
I waited to walk towards the parking lot behind the auditorium. I was early, but I couldn’t sit around anymore. Apparently, Moe was early too, and sat waiting for me. His smile reached me before I saw him. “You showed!’ He yelled.
I affixed the smile on my face as I approached him. “Yeah, I said I would.”
He walked around the to the driver’s side of the giant tall truck and jumped in. I followed, thankful my legs were not short, or this would have been incredibly embarrassing. The heavy door slammed, and I grinned meekly at him.
“Ready?” He asked as he started the engine.
I just nodded, not sure what to say. Words seems to be new thing for me, but thankfully Moe filled in the space.
The drive was rather quick, but the entire time he prattled on about his years growing up, playing sports, his family. I think he mentioned a brother or two, but as the engine cut off and he pulled into the parking space, I realized, I had heard very little.
I opened
