Chapter 07.07

For Sunday, I bought the movie tickets, a single flower, and Brian dropped me off at the shopping mall ahead of schedule—the movie theater was on the upper floor. My girlfriend arrived exactly on time, as always, and I just stood there, mesmerized, as she came up the escalator.

Her light makeup accentuated her beautiful eyes, and her short, form-fitting skirt and high-heeled boots drew attention to her legs. She wore a sleeveless, high-necked top—she looked absolutely stunning.

“Nice outfit,” I said with a smile, handing her the flower. “If your goal was to make me lose my mind in that outfit, you succeeded.” I added and naturally leaned down to kiss her forehead.

“Thank you,” she smiled, taking the flower.

“Come on,” I said, glancing at my watch. “The movie is about to start. Afterward, we can go for a walk.”

Jenny bought the snacks and drinks, and we settled in for the film. Just like a year ago, she simply sat beside me. The park wasn’t far from the theater, so after the movie, we went for a walk. Our conversation didn’t get any deeper—we only exchanged a few sentences about the film.

“Are you finally going to tell me what you’re doing here?” she asked once we were in the park.

“I’ll tell you if you have a pastry with me,” I said, pointing to the small café at the edge of the park.

“Fine,” she smiled. “But I know you’re just stalling.” She teased me—she still knew me too well.

It was a cozy little café, fairly crowded, but we found an empty table in the corner. Jenny, as always, bought two pastries at the counter—one for me, one for herself—and brought them to the table.

“You can start now,” she said, taking a bite of her pastry.

“Do you have any guesses?” I teased.

“I’ve already been patiently waiting,” she said, half-serious. “And you know me.”

“Then try to figure it out,” I urged her. She just rolled her eyes.

“I looked for you in Grandpa’s class among the freshmen this week,” she admitted. “But you weren’t there. Uncle Steve let Mickey call him Grandpa,” she added with a smile. “Since we never really had one.”

“Why were you looking for me?” I played innocent. She was growing more impatient.

“My instincts told me you wouldn’t go back, and I hoped you might have come here instead, but I couldn’t find you.”

“What were you even doing in Uncle Steve’s class?” I asked again.

“Mom didn’t let him drive that morning because Grandpa had an urgent surgery and only got home at dawn. So he asked Karen to administer the two placement tests in the morning. But then Dr. Benson got sick, and Karen had to deliver some files to him before lunch. So Grandpa asked me to go with Karen to the test, and once I collected them, I was supposed to put the completed tests in his office. Karen and I have known each other since last year. That’s all.”

“I didn’t know,” I said.

“Jay,” Jenny was impatient again. “Will you finally tell me what happened?”

“You didn’t see me among the freshmen?” I asked. She shook her head.

“Maybe you were looking in the wrong place,” I said calmly, leaning back.

“You’re not in unversity?” she asked, shocked. “Then what are you doing? What do your parents think?” She rattled off.

“I am in university,” I said. “I’m in love, not stupid,” I remarked, and she blushed.

“Oh, come on,” she huffed. “Just tell me already.”

“You were looking in the wrong year,” I stated calmly. “I raised my hand while searching for my pen.”

She thought for a moment—then burst out laughing.

“That was you?” she asked, laughing. “You weren’t wearing your watch, and you had a hat on. I didn’t even see you—just your hand and the edge of your hat. I thought you’d sit in the first row in Grandpa’s class.”

“I was practically lying on the desk while writing the test,” I chuckled. “For the first time, I actually wished I were smaller and thinner. And maybe a little less handsome,” I added with a grin. “I wanted to sit in the first row, but my roommates sat at the back. You still know me like an open book,” I said, trying to make her blush—and it worked, so I just smiled.

“So you didn’t lose a year after all?” she asked, visibly impressed. I reached across the table and took her hand. She let me.

“No,” I said, taking a deep breath. “I know I messed things up between us, but I want to make things right.”

I moved my chair next to hers and took her hand back into mine.

“Are you sure?” she asked hesitantly. “Maybe you need time to see what life is like here.”

“I don’t need to see anything,” I said. “I’m studying what I’ve wanted to since childhood, I’m with Uncle Steve, and the woman I’m endlessly in love with is sitting right next to me.”

“Jay,” she said gently. “In our case, it wasn’t just the distance that was the problem,” she began. “It was also that our relationship got too serious too fast. I’m not one for casual flings,” she smiled at me, “but maybe you’re not ready for a serious relationship yet.”

“Just give me the chance to prove you wrong,” I said. “I spent a whole year without you, and I couldn’t bring myself to start any kind of relationship. You changed me,” I laughed, “and I love this new version of myself so much more.”

“And what if you meet a vet—someone you have way more in common with?” she asked uncertainly. “Someone who swims, is experienced, and—tall?” She laughed, trying to ease her own confusion.

“Babe,” I chuckled, gently stroking her hand with my fingers. “You swim, you’re taller than Mickey,” I smiled, “for now,” I teased, “and you’ve already learned so much,” I winked. She shifted awkwardly, clearly flustered.

“I love you,” I said. “When will you finally understand that?”

“Let’s think about it some more,” she said, standing up. “Will you walk me home?” she asked. I just nodded.