Without You

Me: Sorry. I ran into someone I met at freshman orientation. Eating a quick lunch while studying for calculus.

Will: Okay, baby. I’ll let you go. I have to meet Luke for a workout anyway. I’ll see you Friday. I made hotel reservations for us.

Me: Counting down the days. Have a good workout.

Will: I will. Have fun studying. I love you, Lex.

I was instantly filled with guilt. I stared at my phone. An uneasy feeling moved through my body. I hated that Will hung out with Luke, especially with Luke’s player ways.

Stop being so jealous of nothing, Alex.

Should I tell Will I’m with a guy?

What good would that do? He’d just worry.

Me: It won’t be fun. I love you, too, Will.

I put my phone into my back pocket again and looked at Blake. He was reading something on his phone and smiling. I didn’t want to like his smile, but I did.

I pushed my thoughts aside. “Sorry. Will is making plans to come visit this weekend.”

Blake nodded his head and looked down at my books. “So, calculus, huh?”

I moaned and rolled my eyes. I opened the book, and before I knew it, we were neck high in all things calculus and chemistry.

Three hours later, I was taking a sip of coffee as Blake helped explain the last problem to me.

“Gosh, Blake, I don’t know how to thank you enough. You’ve really helped me a ton.”

He smiled as he reached across the table and pushed a piece of hair behind my ear. “You, um…you had a piece of hair fall out of your ponytail.”

I smiled and nodded my head. “Well, I guess I’d better get back to my room. Grace is probably wondering where I am.” I started gathering up all my books and then stood up. I reached across the table and shook Blake’s hand.

“Should we exchange numbers?” Blake asked as he stood up.

My stomach took a fast dive. “Why?”

He laughed. “I’m in a study group. We meet a few times a week. If you need help again, you’re more than welcome to join us. Grace, too, if she wants.”

It seemed innocent enough, and he’d even invited Grace.

“Okay, sure.”

I gave him my cell number, and he immediately sent me a text.

“Now, you have mine. Good luck on the tests, Alex.”

I smiled. “Thank you, Blake. I really appreciate all your help.”

He placed his hand on the small of my back and led me to the door.

Once we got outside, he leaned down and put his mouth to my ear. “The pleasure was all mine, Alex.”

He turned and began walking away, leaving me standing there. I felt utterly confused and in desperate need of…something. I just didn’t know what that something was.

“Motherfucker, this is not happening.” I pushed my hands through my hair and stared down at my truck’s engine. I pulled out my cell phone again and texted Luke.

Me: Dude, where in the hell are you? My truck broke down, and I’m supposed to be in Austin in an hour.

I didn’t get a response, so I hit Libby’s number.

“Hello?”

“Lib, do you have any idea where Luke is?”

“No. Why would I?” Her voice was laced with anger.

“Um…I just thought you might have talked to him. Damn it, Lib, why didn’t you bring your car?”

She laughed. “’Cause you and Luke both have trucks, and I knew I wouldn’t be going anywhere this semester. Why? What’s up?”

I let out a sigh. “I made plans to spend the weekend in Austin with Lex. My truck won’t start, and Luke isn’t texting me back.” My phone pinged, and I pulled it away to see a text from Luke. “Hold on. Luke just texted me.”

Luke: I’m with Abigail.

Me: My truck broke down. I need to get to Austin.

Luke: Sorry, dude. We are in Port Aransas at her parents’ condo.

Me: Isn’t Abigail just your fuck buddy? Why are you out of town with her?

Luke: I needed to forget about some shit and just relax and have a good time this weekend. Abigail asked if I wanted to go, and I said yes.

Me: Okay. I’ll just have to let Lex know that I can’t make it.

Luke: Sorry, dude. I’m coming back tomorrow. I’m only staying one night. That’s all I can take of Abigail. She’s an awesome fuck, but damn, she gets on my nerves.

“Will? Are you still there?”

I sighed. “Sorry, Lib. Luke texted me to say he was with Abigail at the coast for the night.”

“Who’s Abigail?”

“His fuck buddy.”