My Aussie Guy - Liz Lovelock Page 0,6

from mine, unlike earlier when he sought the connection. “So, do you think you could help me with tutoring?”

Thankful for the change of subject, I say, “Yeah, sure, but you’ll have to go to the library to fill out a form. Sorry. It’s so I can keep track of who I’m working with. It’s so I don’t overdo things and not get my own work done.”

“Yeah, all good. I did that today.”

We reach the café, and my dorm is only one more block. “You don’t have to walk me the whole way… my dorm is in the next building. Thanks for walking me back, though.”

“It’s fine. I couldn’t let you walk on your own. I look forward to getting to know you, Elsie.”

“You, too, Aiden. You never know… when all this apparent awkwardness disappears between us, and our friends stop trying to push us together, we could actually have a good friendship…” I pause. My hand lifts up, and I slap myself on the forehead. “I’m so sorry. Word vomit.”

Aiden laughs harder than he has tonight. It’s a relief, actually. I was beginning to think he thought of me as a crazy person.

“You’re a crack-up, Elsie. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He pats me on the back and turns.

“See you then.” I walk away with a smile on my face, but deep down, I feel a little hurt.

He has a girlfriend.

I shouldn’t be feeling like this.

Pull yourself together, Elsie. We can be friends, at least.

“Oh, he’s here!” My fingers curl around Willow’s arm, latching tightly, digging into her soft skin. She flinches and follows my line of sight. Aiden. I hadn’t seen him around since he walked me home on Monday night. I scan the room again for Addison and Parker, momentarily removing my stare from him. They haven’t arrived yet. Where could they be?

It’s another weekend party. I love a good party, especially when there is a new guy in town whom I’m trying to impress and prove I’m not a crazy girl. So far, I’ve failed miserably. And now that I know he has a girlfriend, there’s no pressure on me to even try.

The basketball team crushed their opponents again tonight. My eyes were all for Aiden and watching how he played since it was his first game for the season. Parker scored the winning shot, and boy was it a hair-raising moment. I thought it was going to bounce out of the ring and not sink through the net. The crowd went crazy, people standing on their seats. The cheering was the loudest I’d ever heard in the stadium when the ball sank through the hoop.

Willow, Jane, and I have crashed the basketball team’s house for their party. Technically, it’s not really crashing if our friend is dating the basketball captain.

A drink is thrust into my hand. Turning to my left, I see Jane handing it to me.

“Thanks.” I smile. We stand in the corner of the room and peruse the fellow partygoers. My eyes always find their way back to Aiden. I must seem pathetic. I’m swooning after a guy I don’t know and can’t even have. He has about five girls hanging off him now. Good luck, girls. But I want him to make eye contact with me.

Stacey struts up to him. She doesn’t seem to care. He’s already talking with Laura from English, and she pretty much throws her boobs in his face. Honestly! What a ho. It’s pretty embarrassing to watch. I groan.

“Stop staring, Elsie. He has a girlfriend.” Addison’s playful words cut into my trance. I turn to look at her with raised eyebrows.

She’s holding hands with Parker and is practically glowing. “You.” I point a finger at Parker. “Why didn’t you tell me he has a girlfriend?” This was the first time since Monday I’ve seen him.

Parker’s mouth falls open. Still, he says nothing. He steps back and pretty much hides behind Addison.

“I made a damn fool of myself, and this one here didn’t help.” I stomp my foot and point to Addison. I swing my attention to her. “Are you sure you didn’t know? I mean, you told me you didn’t, but why didn’t he say something to the guys?” I cross my arms over my chest, pursing my lips.

“What? No! If Parker or I knew, I would have told you. You know me better than that.”

I throw my arms around her, giving her the tightest bear hug. She would have told me. I think my drinks are starting to take