27. Gigi
CHAPTER 27
Gigi
It doesn’t happen that often that Zoey and I eat lunch alone. When we’re not tagging along with Kai, Luke, and their other friends who are juniors, we always eat with Zach. But Luke has a presentation today and Zach is looking for Layla’s replacement, which is why he’s sitting way at the back, trying his best to impress his date with his muscles. I’m not complaining; I think the two of us could really use some girl time, especially now.
“So what’s going on with you and Kai?” I ask my sulking roommate who’s just pushing her chicken pieces around.
“I think we’re going to break up.” Zoey puts her fisted hand under her chin and sighs. “Ever since we went to his place during spring break, all he can talk about is how great that place is and how he can’t wait to move back home once he’s done with college.”
I can’t really blame him. His family’s farm is amazing. I spent most of the time that week confined to the bedroom with puke all over my hair, but still…I understand where he’s coming from. “Doesn’t really match your plan of wanting to move to Seattle, does it?”
“It’s stupid,” she says in a tone that makes my heart break for her. “I don’t even know why we keep on fighting about this. He keeps on telling me to move with him after I finish school, but I’m nineteen, Gigi! I still have three more years here. Besides, I don’t want to live in the boonies.”
“Sorry to say this, Zo.” I pause, grimacing, not sure whether I should continue or not. “He’s probably bringing all of this up because next year is going to be his last year here. I’d be worried if he’s not thinking about his future right now.” Tough love, it is .
Zoey rolls her eyes as she groans. “I hate it when you’re right.”
“Maybe you can tell him to shelve the topic first. I don’t know, for a later date or something? And see where it goes with the two of you until then.”
We eat in silence since she’s not in a talkative mood. Zoey keeps on checking her phone, probably waiting for a text from Kai. I’ve never seen her like this—sad. She’s usually perky and the life of the party, even more so than me.
I’m finishing my pudding when my own phone vibrates in my pocket.
Luke
Presentation went great. Where are you?
I knew you could do it! Lunch. Don’t come, though. Zoey is in a mood.
Kai?
Yep. She’ll shoot you just by association.
She can try. I’m hungry and I miss you.
Clutching my phone with my two hands, I feel a smile forming on my lips. I miss him, too. He’s been so busy preparing for today and I have been cramped with an assignment from my cognitive development course; I feel like it’s been ages since we’ve been together. With Zoey and Kai on the rocks, the group doesn’t meet that often anymore.
What did you say about Becca again? I thought it’s impossible to miss someone when you talk to them almost every day? ;)
Luke
I stand corrected. What are you doing tonight?
Dinner shift :( Pick me up? You can tell me all about today.
You work too much.
Not everyone can be as smart as you, Luke. Not all of us get a monthly allowance from the Daedalus Foundation.
Alright. I don’t want you to walk alone at night, anyway.
I don’t know what it is about Luke. He doesn’t shower me with compliments, nor does he give me cute pet names. His love language is not words of affirmation. But when he does say something, like you work too much or I don’t want you to walk alone at night , it seems to do something to me, as if they have the ability to make my day instantly better.
Or maybe Luke is just low-key bossy and I like being bossed around by him. I don’t have daddy issues, but being a latchkey kid will do that to you.
“Someone’s blushing.” Zoey’s voice causes my head to jerk up. “Please give me all the juicy details. I need a distraction. How is it with Luke?”
“It’s good,” I answer, downplaying how happy I am. She doesn’t need me to rub my honeymoon stage in her face. “He’s picking me up from work tonight.”
“You guys have been slowly upping the PDA. Autumn is pissed.”
“Tell me something new.” I roll my eyes. This is another reason why our group is gradually splitting in two. Autumn and Kai are good friends, and she makes it a point to show up whenever she can, probably to be in Luke’s vicinity, but mostly to sneer every time she sees Luke showing me a hint of affection. It’s not even that much, since Luke is not the type of guy to rub his relationship in front of other people, but she’s making me hesitant to return his touches or kisses. I swear I see her smile every time I flinch or look at her. I overheard her once refer to me as Luke’s sister who dated his dead cousin. True, but still…
You’re just jealous, Gigi. Calm your tits.
“I’m not saying this because I’m jaded right now, but I’m a little worried about you, babe.”
“I’m happy, Zoey. Promise.”
“It’s just,” my best friend says before pausing. “This thing with Luke has the potential to blow up. I’d hate to see you get hurt. I was there, you know? When everything happened with Andrew. I saw everything in real time. You’ve come a long way, Gigi.”
“I know.” I feel my face soften at the memory of Zoey comforting me when I just found out about Andrew. “Thanks for everything. I owe you so much.”
“Just be careful, okay? I don’t want to see you that broken again.”
I guess she’s giving me some tough love, too.