All Chapters of Jenny & Jay - Volume 2: Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

“I have a proposal,” I said. “If, after we’re both back at university, we ever run into each other again—and neither of us is in a relationship—then we go on a date. Just one. If either of us is taken, the deal’s off.”“You mean, like if you’re a divorced dad of two and I’m a cat-loving spinster, and we bump into each other at a store?” she asked with a grin, starting on her dessert.“Exactly,” I said. “But you’ll never be a spinster—you’re too smart and too beautiful for that.” She blushed, but didn’t say anything.“That’s a weird offer,” she said, studying my face for a moment. I held her gaze calmly. “But alright,” she laughed. “Deal.”She reached across the table, and I shook her hand.

The next morning, my classes began. I didn’t feel like I was behind in anything. Alongside my regular courses, I signed up for a few language classes—strictly out of curiosity.The first day was easy; in many classes, we were just reviewing. The classrooms resembled those at my old school, far across the country—semi-circular rows of tiered desks arranged so the teacher on the podium remained clearly visible. The walls looked like they hadn’t been painted in a while, but there were projectors here too, just like back there. The quality of teaching hadn’t declined, and that’s what mattered to me.If I had a class with Dave, I usually sat next to him, somewhere in the middle, near the edge of the row. If we didn’t sit together, he always made sure I found the right room.At lunchtime, I grabbed a quick sandwich and headed off to find my girlfriend i

Once everyone had a copy, Karen wrote the remaining time on the board and quietly sat down next to Jenny, pulling out a book to read. I stayed low over my desk, scribbling my name on the paper and starting the test.People began whispering and pulling out books. Karen rolled her eyes, set her book down, and stepped up onto the podium. Jenny just smiled and kept reading.“Of course, you’re free to use any materials and talk quietly,” Karen said, waiting for the laughter to die down. ”But as you all know from last year”—her tone carried a hint of sarcasm—”Dr. Wenword uses this test to tailor your exam content. If today’s test goes better than your actual knowledge, it’ll only make things harder for you. If it goes too poorly, your place here might be reconsidered.”Everyone quickly put their things away and got to work.

“Paul,” she said suspiciously, “why do you look so tense?” She paused. “Is something wrong?”“We need to talk, just the five of us,” Paul said.“About what?” Jenny asked. “Is something wrong?” She sat down on the couch between the girls.“We want you to start dating again,” Brian said. Jenny let out an exasperated sigh.“What?” she asked. “Why? I’m not in my forties yet, and I don’t have a cat.”“We think it would be good for you,” Mayoko said. “I heard about your divorce settlement with Jay,” she added. “If I ever get married, I’d like you to be there without any tension between you and him.”“I want that too,” Susy added.

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