Because Lexie had never really cared for Finn to begin with, she’d been more than happy to send me a photo every single time she saw him out with another girl. Needless to say, I have about forty pictures.
So I’m not really sure what to do about the whole Finn situation. Deciding to ignore the text, I shove the phone back into my bag. It’s Saturday morning and I’ve just taught three tap and ballet classes back to back. I should be tired. Teaching fifty-five minute long classes to four and five year olds is completely exhausting. I’d forgotten just how short their little attention spans could be. But they’re so dang adorable and full of life that their energy is all but infectious.
I throw a light pink, off-the-shoulder t-shirt over my leotard before pulling on black leggings and a pair of leopard print ballet flats. Grabbing my bag, I wave goodbye to Donna, the owner of the studio, before pushing my way through the door out into the brightly shining sun which instantly strokes my skin with warmth.
I’m not more than two steps from the studio when I spot Finn leaning against the wall of the building with his hands shoved deeply into the pockets of his cargo shorts. He straightens to his full height as soon as our eyes connect. Surprised to see him here, my feet grind to a halt.
“Hi, Ivy.”
A tentative smile slides its way across his face as if he’s unsure of what my reaction will be. It makes him look boyishly sweet and hesitant. His normally overconfident, cocksure self is notably absent. Which is probably for the best. The look tugs at something deep inside, reminding me just how good looking Finn is and how easy it was falling for him freshman year. It’s that side of him that drew me in.
“I was hoping we could maybe grab a coffee,” he clears his throat, “that is if you’re not too busy.”
Lexie and I are planning on going a little apartment shopping after lunch which means that- yes, I do have time to grab coffee but that doesn’t necessarily mean I’m ready to sit down with Finn and hash out our past.
When I remain silent, his look turns pleading making him look downright adorable. Like a cuddly puppy dog I just want to wrap my arms around and squeeze tight.
“Please, Ivy? I just want to talk.”
His imploring look has me folding like a shaky house of cards before I’m able to think better of it. I can only comfort myself with the fact that at some point, we would have probably sat down to talk about what happened between us. So, if not now, then later. Better to just get it over with.
I give him a tight nod before hugging my oversized bag a little closer to my body. “Okay, but I can’t stay long. I have plans later.” It’s not that I’m trying to play games but what I do with my time is no longer Finn’s concern. Just like what he does in his free time isn’t any of my business.
Something flares in his hazel eyes before he quickly tamps it down. Instead of fishing for information, he simply inclines his head towards the smoothie shop on the other side of the street. “How about a smoothie?”
Damn but he knows me so well...
After being in the studio for three solid hours with only water to hydrate with, a smoothie sounds absolutely fantastic right about now. I have to admit there’s something comfortable about falling back into a friendship with someone who knows all the little things you enjoy. I give myself a sudden mental face slap, because that’s definitely not a reason to get back together with Finn.
“Okay, sure.”
Wordlessly we cross the street before heading inside the shop and ordering our drinks. I get a pomegranate berry smoothie and Finn orders a strawberry banana one which is exactly what we always ordered when we were together. Once we have our drinks, we head outside to sit at one of the little café tables in front of the brick building. It’s such a gorgeous day out, I just want to soak it all up before the nice days are few and far in between.
With the sun beating down upon us, we both sit, sipping from our straws for just a moment before Finn finally says, “Look Ivy, I want to apologize for my behavior the other night. I honestly didn’t mean to piss you off.” He glances away for just a minute before quietly continuing, “It took me by surprise that you seemed so chummy with King. That you’re already on his radar… I mean, you just got back from France.”
Not that I owe him any kind of explanation, but I guess it feels somewhat warranted. We did date for about six months during my freshman year before I left Barnett. “Honestly Finn, I don’t know Roan at all.” I give a little shrug of my shoulders. “He lives right next door and he’s in one of my classes. So we’ve run into each other. That’s the extent of our relationship.”