Page 167 of Fly's Path

Are you really busy? Because you seem scared, not busy. “Fine, I can wait one weekend, but the party better be worth it.”

“It will be. I guarantee it.”

“Or my money back?”

Carves starts sweating.

“Just kidding. I’m looking forward to seeing what you can do.”

“You won’t be disappointed. See you next Friday.”

Oh, you’ll be seeing me.

***

Shaking that entire vibe off to go meet with Lola wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be. But by the time I’m leaning against a tree across from Lola’s building, there’s a grin on my face and a lightness in my heart.

As she steps out of the building, my heart explodes from pure joy. My beautiful, happy Lola is back. She’s got the tennisbracelet I bought her on her wrist and the diamond pendant at her throat. I love that she wore them.

I love that she forgave me, that we’re in this together.

The moment she sees me, she dashes towards me.

My arms wrap around her, pulling her close, enjoying the scent of citrus strawberries.

“You’re here.”

“We’re together. I’ll always be here.”

“You’re making a scene.” Kerri stops a few feet from us.

“Let them be jealous. I don’t care.” Lola loops her arm through mine.

“What do you two ladies want to eat today?”

“We have plans to meet LynnLeigh and Suzie at the dining hall.” Kerri glares at me.

“But we can miss it if you want to take us someplace special.” Lola flutters her eyelashes at me.

“Nah, we can go meet your friends.” I lean down and whisper in her ear. “We’ll have plenty of time together on our date.”

“I can’t wait.”

Me either.

We walk over to the dining hall hand in hand, with the two of them talking about class a mile a minute. It’s cute how into their schooling they are…but since they want to be doctors, I’m very glad they’re taking school seriously.

Watching Lola pile food onto our tray feels so right. This is the way life is supposed to be. Though how is it going to work when I’m not pretending to be a student here? We’ll figure out our new norm. It’s not like the campus is locked or that far from the clubhouse that I can’t make daily trips to see her. Maybe I should think about getting a real place near here. Or I could just keep the current apartment…Nope, it has too many bad memories associated with it.

“Do you think we should get the cheesecake or mousse?”

Like I care what dessert I get when I’m with you. “Why don’t we get both? Then you can taste to see which you like, and I’ll eat what’s left.”

“Good plan.” She carefully places each one on the edge of the tray. “I think that’s all we need. I’ll grab us a seat while you pay.”

By the time I make it through the line, our table is filled with girls, most of whom I know. All of whom seem to glare at me as I slide into the seat next to Lola.

“Why is he here?” Suzie gives me the stink eye.