She sits back down, wary again, not that I blame her. She and Reed might have some weird Flowers in the Attic type thing, but I like her in spite of myself.
“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. I really like you. Let’s forget your brother. We’re going to be working together so let’s get to know each other.” Maybe I can find out more about Reed if I find out about Lexi. They are siblings. I feel a bit devious—okay, a lot devious—but I’m curious about Lexi too. It just happens to kill two birds with one stone.
Lexi smiles, but she’s still cautious. “Okay.”
“You said you transferred here. Where did you go to school before?” If I can find out where Lexi went, than maybe I’ll figure out Reed’s school. Why I care is beyond me.
Uncertainty flickers in her eyes. “Out East.”
Strange. That’s the same vague answer Reed gave me. “Which college?”
Flashing a smile, she looks down at my book. “U.S. Government? Isn’t that usually a lower level course?”
She’s dodging my question. My curiosity is piqued, but I let her change the subject. “I know, but I’ve always hated anything to do with government so I kept putting it off until I couldn’t put it off any longer. Not if I want to graduate.” I laugh. “Which I do. So here I am.” I wave to my book.
Her eyes widen again. “You hate government?”
She makes it sound like I’ve announced I hate chocolate. “I’m a fan of government as opposed to anarchy, but I’m not a fan of studying it.”
“Oh.”
Talking to her is harder than I expected. Still, there’s a universal topic that all girls relate to.
“Do you have a boyfriend?”
She gives me a sly smile. “No.”
I cock my head and grin. “But there’s someone you’re interested in. Who is he?”
Her eyes narrow, but her lips twitch as she fights her smile. “I never said there was.”
“Please. It’s all over your face.” I lean forward. “So who is he?”
Looking down at the table, she twines her fingers together. “He’s in my biology class.”
“So?”
She shakes her head and looks up at me. “It’s nothing. I need to focus on school this year. I’ll worry about boys later.”
“That sounds like something my friend Scarlett would say. Before she met the love of her life.
Now she’s crazy in love, and they’re living together.”
Her lips purse. “My family would never approve.”
“I’m not telling you to move in with a boy, Lexi. I’m telling you that you never know when you’ll find love. You may not think you have time for it, but it seems to find you whether you’re looking for it or not. You’re in college. You’re supposed to have a dozen boyfriends.”
“Have you had a dozen boyfriends?”
My smile fades. “I’ve been on over a dozen dates, but only a few boyfriends.”
“Do you have a boyfriend now?”
It’s my turn to look down. “No.”
“Really,” she states matter-of-factly.
“You sound surprised.”
“It’s just that you’re just so pretty and smart. The way you handled the meeting….” I’m grateful she leaves my conflict with her brother unmentioned. “I’d think you’d have guys lined up.”
“Well, thank you.” I swivel my head looking around and laugh, hoping it sounds playful and not desperate. “I don’t see any lines.”
“So you want one? A boyfriend?” Her tone is still expressionless. I feel like I’m being interviewed.
“I’ve got a busy year before I graduate. I don’t exactly have time.” I shrug. “But you’re only a sophomore. Plenty of time to try out all the Southern University boys.”
“Oh no. I need to get settled here first. Reed would have a fit.” The line sounds rehearsed and gives off a Stepford vibe.
There’s an awkward silence, and she cringes like she regrets mentioning him. She frowns, then a soft smile covers her face. “Maybe I’ll try it anyway.”
“Good girl. You’re only young once, and dating is part of your college experience.” I feel like a college admissions advisor.
She folds her hands on the table, her posture perfectly erect. “Do you have any idea what you plan to do with your degree when you graduate?”
“Um. No. But I’m hoping to come up with a great line for the show. My advisor’s friend from New York is coming to the show and has promised to pick one student to work in her design house after we graduate.”
“Do you have your designs figured out?”
I sigh. “No.”
She studies me, and I realize the tables have been turned. Who am I kidding? The tables were turned the moment she asked me if I have a boyfriend.
“Do you have a signature look? A specialty you focus on?”
“No.” I pause. How can I be a senior and not have a focus? But I do, I just don’t use it in my classes. “Well … there is something.”
Her eyebrows lift. “Don’t stop there.”
“It’s not something I do in class. Just for myself.” I grip my coffee cup. “I repurpose thrift store finds.”
She watches me, waiting for more information.
“I buy clothes in thrift stores, but I don’t usually use them as they are.” I shrug. “Sometimes I do, like a really classic piece, but most of the time I either embellish it to make it more contemporary or I’ll use parts of several items and put them together to create something entirely new.”