15
Was Brooks even real? I’ve been hoping I would see him around, but I haven’t so much as bumped into him in the courtyard. I notice when his car is missing from the parking lot, but other than that, he may well have been a dream. A really good-looking, sexy dream.
I spent the rest of the week in classes or at the library with Amir, and the weekend consisted of spending time with Luna and Sam or studying.
On Sunday, Luna convinced me not to go over to Brooks’ apartment to “accidentally” run into him.
She told me I was giving off clinger vibes, whatever that means.
She still thinks the best thing to do is to message him about the door, but I know she’s only saying that because she wants the door fixed.
Luna and I are walking home from uni on Monday afternoon, when Sam comes jogging up behind us.
He slings an arm around her shoulders, and just like that, I am a third wheel again.
Lately it feels like Sam is always on our couch watching movies or just generally laughing with Luna.
I don’t mind. Well, maybe I do, but I shouldn’t.
Luna had her fair share of third-wheel moments when I was with Mark.
And it’s nice that she’s found someone who seems to make her happy.
She doesn’t often let people close enough to know the real her.
But I can slowly see Sam chipping away at her tough exterior, making way for the amazing Luna that I know and love.
I don’t know why she doesn’t let more people see how incredible she is.
“What are we doing tonight?” Sam asks, his steps syncing with Luna’s.
“I was going to order dinner and watch a movie. Abi, sad Miss Spinster over there, is more than likely going to study and stare out the window trying to bend the bushes with her mind so she can see Brooks’ apartment,” Luna teases.
I can tell she meant it as a joke, but I wish she wouldn’t make her jokes at my expense.
“Can I join you for dinner?” he asks.
“You know you don’t have to ask.”
“Thanks. Jeremy is having his mates over again, and I cannot sit there for another night surrounded by their bong fumes while they debate who would win in a fight between Iron Man and Captain America.”
“The Captain,” I say, just as Luna declares, “Iron Man,” at the same time, and we both laugh at our differing opinions.
“Anyway,” Sam says, an amused grin on his face.
“You two are better company than those guys. Besides, Abi over here is just coming out of her shell around me.” He nudges me with his elbow without registering his strength, causing me to stumble sideways.
“Sorry,” he says, reaching out to stabilise me.
“I just meant that when I first met you, you hardly ever spoke. Like you were scared to let people see you. But I see you, Abi.” His eyes sparkle as he speaks.
They almost distract me from looking for Brooks’ car in the parking lot–almost. The blue Pontiac sits in its usual spot.
“Yeah, we all see you…memorising his license plate number,” Luna says, her voice cutting through my thoughts. I force a laugh, not wanting to let her know that she’s struck a nerve.
In the apartment, Sam takes a seat beside me at the kitchen bench while Luna leans her back against the edge of the sink. I pull open my laptop, staring blankly at the screen as it boots up.
“Something I’ve been curious about, Sam,” Luna announces, breaking the silence. “You have a pretty impressive physique, especially for someone who gets take-out with us almost every night. How? Are you some sort of superhero from another planet?”
Sam’s surprised chuckle gets caught in his throat, causing him to choke. I smile, looking down at my laptop. Classic Luna. She enjoys catching people off guard, keeping them on their toes. It certainly makes for entertaining conversations.
“Well, thank you for noticing, I guess.” He uncomfortably adjusts his weight on the stool.
“You wouldn’t know this because you sleep all morning until your alarm goes off at the last possible minute every day, but while you’re sleeping in, I’m at the gym.
I work out, or I train with clients. I play football or basketball in between classes, and the only time I eat takeout is when I’m with you. ”
“But your apartment was covered in pizza boxes.”
“They belong to Jeremy. Before you came along, I ate pretty healthy.”
“What are you saying? I’m a bad influence?” She places her hands on her hips, her lips in a playful pout.
“You said it, not me,” he retorts, his eyebrows raised. I look over to Luna, waiting for her response, enjoying the banter flying back and forth between them.
“Well, excuse me! I didn’t realise being here with us was impeding your health. Please feel free to start making us dinner so we can all be as strong and healthy as you.”
“I never said that,” Sam says, forcing Luna to crack a smile. She stomps her foot, realising she was the first one to break.
“Well, shit. What’s a girl gotta do to get a boy to cook her dinner?”
“Ask nicely,” Sam says, with a winning grin. Luna steps toward the bench, leans forward, and takes Sam’s hands in hers.
“Sam.” She flutters her eyelashes. “Can you, pretty please with a protein shake on top, make us poor, defenceless girls dinner tomorrow night? I’m weak and malnourished from all of this unhealthy food.” She raises her hand to her forehead.
“For you? I can do that.” He peers lovingly into her eyes. “But not tomorrow. I’m busy.” He pulls his hands out from underneath hers, giving them a quick tap. A knock at the door prompts him to push back his stool to stand.
“Busy? Without me?” Luna feigns dramatically. “I didn’t give you permission to have other friends.”
Sam chuckles again. Walking over to the door, he opens it, greeting the delivery guy. He steps out into the courtyard before reappearing with two plastic bags full of delicious-smelling food.
“I had a life before you moved here, Luna,” he says, placing the bags on the bench.
“That’s news to me,” I whisper, only realising that I said the words out loud when Sam turns to look at me, open-mouthed in shock. My hands snap over my mouth. I was enjoying the back and forth, but I never had any intention of joining in.
“Welcome, Abi,” Sam smiles, his eyes tell me that he’s planning what witty remark he’s going to hurl my way. “This is what I’m talking about. Not the silent little wallflower anymore, are we?”
“Let’s ease her into it,” Luna says with a laugh. “Food first. Then you can annihilate her.”
I push the stool back away from the bench, and it rocks slightly. Sam holds out his hand. I take it, allowing him to support my weight as I slide down.
“Please don’t annihilate me,” I whisper, taking a step closer to him. He doesn’t move, still holding my hand in his. My face aligns with his chest, and I have to crane my neck to see his face. He breathes deeply, looking down at me.
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” he says smoothly, and my heart flutters.