Shattered Rose (Winsor Series) - By T L Gray Page 0,113

finished for the day. For some reason today, though, I just wanted to get home.

“Is everything ok?” he asked with a weary voice.

“Of course,” I assured him. “You just haven’t seen me in school without being covered head to toe in stress.”

He looked at me questionably and then sighed, “Can I come by when I’m finished?”

I wanted to say yes, but worried once again that Jake might just show up. Parker saw my hesitation and looked visibly hurt.

“I’m going into Asheville to do some shopping today, so why don’t you just call me when you’re done and we can meet up.” I threw it out there a little too quickly and it didn’t sound convincing, even to me.

“You’re doing it again,” he said sadly as he looked intently at me.

“Please don’t read into this, Parker. We spent so much time in the library last semester. I’m just a little tired of constantly studying. I know you have to, and that’s ok. I’ll just meet you later.” I started to stand and grabbed my backpack. He stood too and walked around the table to take my hand.

“How is it possible that I’m looking right at you, but still miss you so much?” he questioned in a resigned tone. I couldn’t figure out why he was so hurt. I just didn’t want to study, that’s all. He was making me frustrated and irritable.

“I don’t know why you are getting so upset about this,” I replied exasperated.

He took my other hand in his and looked at me the way he always did, making me feel loved, yet this time I felt guilty all at the same time.

“You’re not here with me, Avery. I can sense it. You’re holding back again and honestly, I’m still a little haunted by our conversation yesterday. I just want to spend time with you.”

I sighed and touched his face. “And we’ll see each other tonight. I promise.” I gave him a quick peck on the lips and turned to leave. I saw his head drop as he sat back down to study. My stomach turned knowing I was the cause of his pain, but it wasn’t enough to make me turn around and stay. I pushed through the big library doors and sucked cool air into my lungs. The feeling of suffocation was finally starting to leave my body, and I turned to go home, keeping my eyes averted from the spot that Parker and I usually shared.

Halfway through campus, I heard my name being called behind me. I turned around to see Jake jogging to catch up.

“Hey,” he panted with his hands on his knees. “Wow, that was harder than I thought it would be. Whatcha up to?”

“I’m just going to get my car and head into Asheville. I’m feeling the need to get off campus for a little while,” I explained watching him pant. It was mildly amusing.

“Want some company?” he asked as we started back walking towards my apartment.

“Sure,” I agreed a little too eagerly. I then remembered that Parker was going to meet me later. “I can only hang out for a little while. Parker’s supposed to meet me when he’s done.”

“Sounds good. Come on, I’m parked at your place anyway,” he said with a grin. Somehow he had managed to get his hands on a housing parking pass. I didn’t ask how.

“So, did you make it to the lab this morning without my bad influence?” he asked as we walked, taking the opportunity to nudge me with his shoulder. I started laughing and nodded, telling him about Russell still checking up on me. I went on to tell him all about my other classes and was surprised how much I had to say when just minutes ago I had felt blank with Parker.

All the lines were blurring and nothing made sense anymore. I used to feel nothing but comfort and peace around Parker, and now I just felt so guilty every time I saw him that all I wanted was to run away. With Jake, I could just pretend that every thing was fine and not have to deal with all the drama. He wasn’t asking me every five minutes to open up to him and it felt nice to have all my emotions safely tucked away in my head.

I looked up at him while we walked and he shot me his signature smile, making me turn away blushing. Somehow he had done it, made me forget all the heartache and pain I