Part 59 (1/2)
”Just a bit of fun, man.”
I grit my teeth. ”I'm not arguing with you about what you did, again.”
”You could've just apologised. She likes you.”
”Not anymore she f.u.c.king doesn't! I tried to and she told me to p.i.s.s off.”
”No point worrying then. There're a s.h.i.+tload of girls interested in Will Campbell.”
Yeah, just not the one I want. Fleur's moved on from Ethan the douche who made her cry, but not in my direction. The day I tried to apologise, I saw her heading across campus with a different guy, laughing and joking. I think he's a postgrad, but I don't pay attention to who's who in the department. He kept putting his hand on Fleur's arm, a sneaky kind of friendly touching from a man who'd like to be friendlier. The monster gnawed again and the little voice whispered 'get a grip'.
”Okay. Where's this weekend's party?”
Nate grins. ”Which one?”
18.
FLEUR.
The meeting with Shaun begins the same as any other. Light, chatty, professional. No mention of kissing. I'd steeled myself and worn extra foundation to disguise the inevitable blus.h.i.+ng that will happen. I'd emailed Shaun part of my dissertation to read over, and he's genuinely impressed, told me I had ideas he'd not considered, which took the paper in a unique direction. His praise for my work thrilled me as much as telling me he wanted to kiss me.
Shaun thinks I'm clever and attractive.
Ready to leave, I'm still talking through some of my concepts when I reach the door. Then pause, aware of Shaun's silence. The tension seeps out again and I glance up. His eyes are trained on my face; I don't think he's listening.
”I need to apologise to you,” he says.
”What for?”
”Propositioning you.”
I smile at his antiquated expression. ”You didn't. Sorry I behaved like a silly girl.”
”You didn't.”
The heaviness doesn't drop. ”That's fine. All forgotten.”
He sighs. ”Is this because of the rock star? The Ruby Riot guy who studies with you? I heard the rumours.”
Rumours? c.r.a.p. ”No. He doesn't study with me. Not anymore.”
”Is he the one who upset you? The other day? Do I have to challenge him to a duel? Protect your honour?” He smiles the Shaun heart-gripping smile.
”He propositioned me, but not as eloquently as you did.”
”I bet he wasn't! I hope you turned him down.”
”Do I look like I'd be interested in a rock star?”
”You know what they say, opposites attract. You never know, underneath all that he could be a gentle, loving guy who enjoys long walks in the park and reads books.”
I snort at the idea, despite the fact I've seen Nate's gentle side. ”And you could be an egotistical d.i.c.khead who tells me he wants to f.u.c.k me on the desk.”
As soon as the words are out, I slap my hand over my mouth. That was supposed to be a joke, but it came out very badly. Luckily, Shaun takes the comment in his stride and my language doesn't shock him.
”I could see why that might upset you if that's what he said, Fleur. I think he misjudged you totally.”
”Exactly.” I shrug my bag strap onto my shoulder; no way is this foundation hiding the red beacon, which is my face right now.
”But I would like to ask you out.”
”Oh.”
”There's a new Thai place. Spice Temple, 7p.m.?”
”Um.” He steps closer and I swallow. Now what do I do? ”Why me?”
”Because I like you. You're smart. Funny. Different.”
”Are we allowed to go out together?”
Shaun laughs. ”Yes, 7 p.m.”
”Okay. Right. Meet you there?”
”Sure.” As I head out of the door, he calls my name and I glance back. ”I'll make sure I buy you flowers before I ask you to f.u.c.k me on the desk. The rock star did things in the wrong order.”
If Shaun hadn't ended that comment with a laugh, he'd be waiting a long time to meet me tonight.
WILL.
A p.i.s.sed off Tegan slams cupboard doors in the kitchen of our small house and I watch warily. She might be able to help.
”Hey, Tegan. You're a chick, right?”
She turns and frowns. ”You need to ask me that question?”
”Yeah, sorry. I mean, if I've p.i.s.sed a girl off, and she won't talk to me, what should I do?”
”Are you asking me for relations.h.i.+p advice?”