Chapter 8 Carrie 008
Before he could say anything else, I turned around and briskly walked inside. To my dismay, none of the elevators were ready. I pushed the button and tapped my foot as I waited. I didn’t want to wait because waiting meant I had time to think. And thinking meant that I’d start wondering how the good-bye would’ve gone if I’d accepted his date. Would he have kissed my cheek? Pressed his hands over mine in one of those gentlemanly gestures that never really existed outside of movies?
Why had I said no? I was ahead on my paper, and I needed to eat, as he had pointed out. What would the harm be in going to dinner with him? What was the worst that could happen? I’d have a horrible time and realize that it had been a bad idea? Or maybe it’d be worse if I had a good time and realized that I wanted something more? Would that really be so horrible?
“Screw it,” I muttered. I hurried back towards the street. As I stepped outside, I looked both ways, searching the crowd for him, but he was nowhere to be seen.
I pulled my phone out of my purse to call him, but remembered I’d given his number to Leslie. I pondered if I should ask her to give it back, but knew I would never hear the end of it if I tried.
I put my phone away and headed back inside. I would wait and see if he was interested enough to keep pursuing me. Let him work for it.
“Hey, something about you looks different. Did you get laid?” Krissy was studying my face over her bowl of cereal for nearly a full minute before coming up with her question. It was Saturday morning and for once she was up early enough for us to have breakfast together. She was still in her pajamas—cute boy shorts and a camisole—and her hair was pulled back in a sloppy ponytail, but she was still gorgeous.
“What?” I was understandably startled by her question. “You’re funny. How would I have gotten laid? It’s been over a year since my last date. I’m lucky to make a date with myself.”
“Wow, it’s been that long? We need to get you laid, girl. We’re going out tonight, no matter what you say. I won’t take no for an answer.” Krissy dropped her spoon with a serious expression on her face.
I sighed. “Wish I could go out. A fun night in town. I feel like I’ve been working and studying nonstop the last few months.”
“That’s probably because you have been working and studying nonstop the last six months or more,” Krissy said. “It’s not healthy, you know. A girl needs a break once in a while.”
“Yeah, yeah, I know.” I glanced down at myself and frowned. “Do I really look different?”
Krissy scanned me up and down, her eyes narrow as she focused. “I don’t know…something’s different about you. You look skinnier. Did you lose weight?”
“I guess I have lost a couple of pounds. I haven’t had much appetite lately.”
“Be careful. Don’t lose too much weight. I mean, you look great now, but I don’t want you to become one of those anorexic women who break like a matchstick in the wind.” Her words were vaguely teasing, but I could hear the undercurrent of genuine worry.
“Don’t worry. That will never happen.” I smiled. “So where are you going tonight?”
“Only the most exclusive event of the year.” Krissy squealed with excitement, her somber mood forgotten. “You absolutely must go with me, Carrie, no excuses.”
I wasn’t sure if that was a good idea, but it had been a long time since I’d had an actual night out. Could it really hurt to have a little bit of fun? Getting Gavin’s number had reminded me that I still could make a connection with a guy. And maybe a “connection” was what I needed to clear my head for the insane amount of work I had to do. I was definitely feeling like I was on the edge of burning out.
“Okay, okay, I’ll go out,” I agreed with a heavy sigh, as if it was the hardest thing I could do. No need to let Krissy know just how much I needed this. Any hint and she’d start pestering me to join her every weekend, and that would definitely not work.
“No, we’re not just going out,” Krissy corrected dramatically. “We are going to the opening of one of the hottest clubs in the city. Everyone is talking about it, and everyone is going to be there!”
I rolled my eyes at the intensity of her words. “I get it.” I loved her like a sister, but she could be such a drama queen sometimes. “Now, if I’m going to party with you tonight, I have to finish some work first.”
Krissy rolled her eyes, but didn’t say anything. That was good. I really did have an essay to write, and if I procrastinated, I’d never be able to enjoy myself at all that evening.
After having spent most of the morning and afternoon sweating over my assignment, I was relieved when I heard Krissy call out from the other side of my door.
“You better get ready soon. We’re leaving in an hour.”
I realized I had no idea what to wear. Sorting through my closet didn’t help. My work clothes had pretty much overtaken anything that might have been even the slightest bit dressy. Had it really been that long since I’d gone anywhere but to the office and work-related events?
