was going to have to work harder than that.
***
I arrived to History through Film right on time on Wednesday. Chase, again, was already there, playing on his phone. He didn’t glance up when I slipped into my chair.
“Good morning, ladies and gentlemen,” Professor Irons said. “Today we’re going to discuss the difference between the bombing of Pearl Harbor as depicted in 2001’s Pearl Harbor and 1970’s Tora! Tora! Tora!”
My phone buzzed in my back pocket. As soon as Professor Iron’s turned to cue up the first film, I slipped my phone into my lap and peeked at the screen. I can’t be held responsible for my actions when he shuts off these lights.
I sobered my features and responded to Chase’s text. Would you like me to leave then?
The raspy sound of his chuckle carried my way, but I focused on the front of the classroom where Professor Irons had started the movie right at the bombing scene. Intense echoes of explosions and gun fire on-screen reverberated off the walls of the small classroom.
My phone buzzed again in my lap.
I fought the urge to look, keeping my eyes on the film. I knew Chase was watching, and it made it even harder to resist looking.
As Professor Irons stopped the first film and called up the next, my phone buzzed again in my lap, reminding me of my unread text.
I finally peeked at my screen.
I’m sorry things between us haven’t been easy.
Another text popped on my screen. I plan to change that.
I closed my eyes, praying for the strength to walk out of that class when we were dismissed and keep Chase Reed at arm’s length. At least until I knew for sure if he was even someone I wanted to invest time in.
He was right. Nothing about us had been easy.
My phone buzzed again.
I never should have allowed her to speak to you the way she did.
I could feel my strength wavering. I responded to his text the only way I could. Yup. You suck.
I didn’t peek over to see his reaction. And, he left me alone for the remainder of the class.
When Professor Irons dismissed us, I stood. I expected Chase to do or say something. He didn’t. I walked out into the hallway and toward the stairwell. Once I stepped outside, I realized Chase hadn’t followed me, and I wasn’t sure how I felt about that. Was he giving up that easily?
On Thursday, Chase was back in his regular seat at the other side of the lecture hall. He didn’t pass me another note; he didn’t even acknowledge that I was there. Was he trying a new approach, or did he not like having to work so hard?
On Friday, he walked into History through Film two minutes late, not even glancing to me when he sat. His silence continued throughout the whole fifty-minute lecture. At the end of class, Professor Irons explained that our next film project would be due in two weeks, then dismissed us.
I gathered my belongings.
“So, when do you want to get started?” Chase asked me.
I glanced to him. “Oh, you’re speaking to me again?”
He cocked his head.
“Well, you know where to find me when you’re ready to begin the project.”
“See? You say that. But if I show up at your room, how do I know you’ll even answer?”
I shrugged. “I guess you’ll just need to show up.” I spun away from him and walked out of class, wondering if he’d actually show up.
***
“Chase showed,” Valerie announced as she entered her room.
I winced as I looked up from her bed where I’d been doing my homework while trying to avoid Chase. “Was he pissed I wasn’t there?”
Her nose wrinkled. “I don’t know. He threw back his head and laughed when I told him you went out.”
I studied her face. “He laughed?”
“Yeah. Like he almost expected it.” She dropped down onto her bed beside me. “I think you put him through enough this week, don’t you? I think it’s about time you figure out what’s going on between the two of you. You both owe it to yourselves.”
My lips twisted as I contemplated her question. “Soon.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
Valerie and I got out of the Uber and walked into Kappa Sigma Saturday night. I left the leopard print at home, opting for torn jeans and a green shirt. People filled the front porch and all the rooms as we made our way toward the basement. I kept my eyes out for Chase, but didn’t see him. Downstairs, the music