The next morning, I wake up as Zeke’s leaving. He drops a kiss to my forehead, and I pry my eyes open just enough to get a quick glimpse of him. I don’t know what time it is, but I know I haven’t slept long.
“Don’t go,” I mumble.
An adorable groan fills my ear and I know he’s leaning down close. “I don’t wanna, but I have to get to class. I’ll call you later.” He presses another kiss to my temple, and I fall asleep before the front door shuts.
At a much later and more acceptable hour, I wake for real. I hop into the shower and stand under the spray for a good ten minutes, smiling as I replay last night. I’ve heard so many horror stories about first times, but last night was more than I ever dreamed.
I have four texts by the time I’m sitting down to a late breakfast.
Blair: Wes said Zeke didn’t come home. DETAILS!
Blair: HELLO??!!
Zeke: Penisaurus? Honestly, it’s the only thing I’ve been able to think about all morning.
Mom: Call me, Gabriella. Love, Mom.
I text Blair back first because I know she’ll keep right on texting me until I answer.
Me: Is there such a thing as a de-flowering party? Or do I at least get a pin to commemorate the achievement? Oooh, a secret handshake maybe?
Blair: SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE
Blair: I’m stopping by after work.
Me: Actually, I’m coming to you. Pencil me in for an appointment around noon.
And to Zeke.
Me: I’d say I’m sorry, but I’m not a liar. How is Tony this morning?
Zeke: Tony?
Me: Eh, you’re right. It’s not a Tony, maybe a Cliff or a Tom.
Zeke: Did you just try and name my dick Cliff?!
Me: He deserves a name. What are you up to tonight?
Zeke: No plans. I leave for Chicago tomorrow and will be gone through the weekend.
Me: Does Cliff have to go?
Zeke: Afraid so. I’m pretty attached to him.
Zeke: Also, hard no to Cliff.
Me: Wanna hang out tonight?
Zeke: Yeah, I’ll text you when I’m done with my afternoon workout.
Instead of texting, I call my mom on my way to campus and give her the parent-friendly version of what I’ve been up to lately.
“I’ve gotta go, Mom, I’m just getting to campus.”
“Be careful and have fun.”
“I will, Mooom.” I can’t help but groan a little at the constant reminder to be careful.
I hang up as I approach the library. Being on campus still brings a rush of excitement. The people, the textbooks and backpacks, it all has this energy that I want to live inside forever. I find Blair on the first floor of the library in the campus tutor center.
“Hey!” She waves me over from her cubicle. A letterboard above her desk reads, The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.
“Look at you coming up with awesome, cheesy quotes.” I sit down at the chair in front of her desk and pull the letterboard in front of me.
“Eleanor Roosevelt said that.” She grabs her backpack and unzips the front pocket. “I have something for you.”
“Oh yeah?”
She grins and pushes a piece of paper in front of me. An intricately folded paper star that’s been colored yellow. “What is this?”
“It’s your deflowering pin, of course.”
I snort. “You’re ridiculous.”
“I was bored. It’s been slow in here this week. No one cares about careers, they’re just ready for summer break. So… tell me everything.”
Blair hangs on every word. I give her the basic rundown of how my night went down. She’d helped with the candles and knew my intent, but she’s smiling so big you’d think I won an Oscar instead of lost my virginity. The details, the things we said, the bond I’d felt, I leave all of that out. For one, I’m not ready to admit how Zeke makes me feel. And for two, it’ll hurt a lot worse when he leaves if everyone is watching for me to break.
“So, where does that leave you two? Are you dating?”
“We’re hanging out. Casual fun.” I force an air of insignificance into my tone and avoid eye contact.
I can feel her intense stare and know she wants to say more, but I warn her off. “I don’t want to make a big deal of it. We’re just having fun until he leaves. I’ll get to start my senior year with some experiences, just like I always wanted.”
“Well, good. Actually, I’m glad to hear you say that. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
“Exactly, me either.” I sit straighter and force a big smile. “So, on to more important topics, I need your advice, not as my friend but as Valley’s career resource expert.”
“Shoot.” She crosses her arms over her chest and sits back.
“I’m thinking about switching majors.”
“To what?”
“I’m not sure.”
“I don’t understand.” Her mouth pulls into a straight line, but her tone remains soft and understanding. “You’re almost done with your business degree. You’re not going to apply to the MBA program?”
“No, I’m not. Please don’t be mad at me,” I rush before I lose my nerve. “I didn’t want to say anything until I was sure.”
“I’m not mad. I’m sad we won’t be taking the same classes, though. And who will I go into business with?”
“You don’t need me or anyone else. You’re going to rock a startup all on your own and I’ll be there to cheer you on the whole way.”
A real smile reaches her eyes. “What are you thinking of switching majors to?”
“Art, maybe, or marketing, I’m not sure. That’s why I’m here, so you can help me figure it out.”
Her eyes light up. “Ooooh, this could be fun.”
Blair hooks me up with about a dozen different career placement tests and a stack of books on choosing a career.
“Want to come over tonight and drink wine while I uncover my perfect career?”
“I can’t tonight. Tomorrow?”
“Sure, my future can wait until then.” I stand. “Wanna grab lunch at University Hall?”
She looks around. “Why not. My shift goes for another ten minutes, but let’s be honest, no one else is coming to see me today.” Her phone pings. “It’s Wes. I’m going to tell the guys to meet us there.”
A little thrill at seeing Zeke shoots through me, which I ignore. “Cool.”
We’ve just grabbed a table when they walk into University Hall. Wes slides in next to Blair and Zeke hovers at my side.
“Hey.” I scoot over so he can take a seat.
It’s awkward for all of two seconds until he places a large open palm on my leg and squeezes and drops his mouth to mine.
“Hey, beautiful,” he murmurs as he pulls his lips away.
I’m certain I’m blushing, and I can feel Blair and Wes watching, but screw it. I wrap my arms around his neck, claiming him in front of whoever cares enough to see, and kiss him again. It’s the last week of classes before finals, so our time hanging out like this on campus, or anywhere really, is closing in fast. I’m making the most of every opportunity.
“I can’t stay,” he says. “I promised Malone I’d meet him at the gym.”
“Can I come watch you work out?”
“Sure. Prepare to be bored, though.”
Bored watching him? Is he crazy? “I think I’ll manage to stay entertained.”
He grins, a boyish smile that may or may not make my stomach do a little flip. I’m pleading the fifth.
As we stand to leave, Blair calls after me. “Don’t forget, Vanessa and I are moving our stuff in on Thursday morning.”
“I won’t forget. I may even carry a box or two.”
She snorts. “I’m not holding my breath.” Then she squeezes Wes’ arm. “That’s why I have a boyfriend. To lift heavy things and reach items on the top shelf.”
At Ray Fieldhouse, I park myself on the sideline and pull out my economics textbook. I don’t need to study for my online final exam, I know it backward and forwards, but if I just gawk at Zeke for the next couple hours, he might get creeped out. Still, it’s hard to look away.
Malone uses some sort of pad like a shield and pushes against Zeke’s back. Zeke has the ball and forces his way backward, shuffling his feet and spinning to try and get around Malone. Malone is fast and blocks Zeke at every turn. Power and determination etch Zeke’s features. He’s bigger than Malone and if they were under the basket could probably just shoot over his head, but Zeke never looks to take a shot, they just move up and down the court over and over until I’m tired just watching them work so hard.
I’m fending off a yawn when they call it. Zeke walks over to me, sweat dripping from him and a mischievous twinkle in his eye. He moves in to give me a sweaty bear hug. I shriek but don’t really care. Actually, I think it’s kinda hot.
“Did you just lick my chest?”
“Mayyybe.”
“You never cease to amaze me.”
“Is that a good thing?” I ask hopefully.
He grabs my bag from the floor and takes my hand. “Yeah, it’s a good thing.”